Summer Environmental StudyElla Matsuda
2017 The Garden Club of America Awards for Summer Environmental Studies
Ella Matsuda is a sophomore studying ecology and environmental science at Rice University in Texas. Her research in Madagascar investigates the interactions between lemurs, birds, trees, and mistletoe in tropical forests. Her research will illuminate the complex interactions in Malagasy seed dispersal networks, emphasizing the importance of studying the ecological significance of smaller plant and animal species. She will also study the dispersal of small-seeded mistletoe seeds by small mouse lemurs, thereby enabling the survival of mistletoe, which in turn enables the survival of large lemurs who disperse large seeded tree species. Mistletoe, often considered a parasitic plant, may benefit its host plant.
The Garden Club of America Awards for Summer Environmental Studies
To encourage studies and careers in the environmental field, with the opportunity to gain knowledge and experience beyond the regular course of study.
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