2012 年 36 巻 3 号 p. 292-307
Most high school and university students are interested in fictitious organisms that have featured in novels, movies, on television, and other media. In several countries, teaching trials using various fictitious organisms have been introduced in biology educational courses. For example, self-study of fictitious organisms during undergraduate courses, and an "origami bird" teaching material for evolution education have been reported up to date. "Caminalcules", fictitious organisms for teaching taxonomy and evolution, and BioLogica^<TM> simulation software for learning genetics have also been thought to be effective educational materials. After discussing the effects of these trials using fictitious organisms for Japanese biology education, we assess the potential of trials using fictitious organisms for future Japanese biology education.