Exploring Flora and Fauna: A Journey through the TIFR Internship

Prompt

Background of the Internship Program The internship program was designed to provide hands-on experience in plant observation and ecological research. It commenced with initial visits to the different plots at the TIFR campus, where we began familiarizing ourselves with the diverse plant species in the area. Through repeated visits, we systematically identified various plants, gradually improving our identification skills. This iterative process was crucial in helping us accurately recognize and catalogue the local flora. After mastering the identification of common species, we turned our focus to collecting rare plant specimens found in the region. Our field work was conducted in collaboration with Dr. Anusha Shankar at the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) campus. Dr. Shankar's ongoing research project cantered on studying the physiological behaviour of sunbirds according to their breeding seasons. As part of this collaboration, we assisted in various aspects of the field work, including observing sunbird behaviour, collecting and analysing data, and supporting the research team's efforts to understand how these birds adapt to different environmental conditions. Aim of the Internship The primary goal of this internship was to gain in-depth field experience in plant observation and collection, enhance proficiency in identifying various plant species, and contribute to ecological research. The internship specifically aimed to: 1. Build expertise in identifying and cataloguing plant species through regular field visits. 2. Collect rare plant specimens to aid in botanical research and conservation initiatives. 3. Work with Dr. Anusha Shankar at the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) to support their study on the physiological behaviour of sunbirds. 4. Gain practical knowledge in field research methodologies and data collection techniques. 5. Comprehend the ecological interactions between plant and animal species and their adaptations to changing environmental conditions. Overview of the TIFR campus The TIFR Hyderabad campus is a leading centre for scientific research and exploration in Southern India. Situated in Hyderabad, Telangana, this institution is renowned for its advancements in physics, chemistry, biology, and interdisciplinary studies. Equipped with cutting-edge facilities and laboratories, the campus supports advanced research projects and field work. It offers a favourable environment for conducting field studies, providing access to diverse natural habitats and ecosystems essential for ecological and environmental research. Collaboration opportunities with national and international scholars enhance the exchange of knowledge and expertise. TIFR Hyderabad is dedicated to advancing scientific knowledge and innovation, driving significant progress in fundamental research with global impact. Its strategic location and robust infrastructure position it as an ideal hub for conducting impactful field work across various scientific disciplines. 1 Scope of the Report This report covers the activities, observations, and findings from the internship focused on plant observation and ecological research at the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) campus. The key elements of the report include: 1. Geographical Scope: o Field work at the TIFR campus in Hyderabad. o Detailed analysis of flora in specific regions within the location. 2. Temporal Scope: o Internship duration: 79 hours from 6 th of June to 17th July. o Regular observations and data collection almost every day. 3. Subject Scope: o Identification and cataloguing of plant species. o Emphasis on rare plant specimens and their ecological significance. o Observations on sunbird behaviour in collaboration with the team (Kavish Shah and other teammates) of Dr. Anusha Shankar. 4. Methodological Scope: o Data collection through direct observation, photographic documentation, and environmental measurements. o Analytical techniques including statistical analysis and comparative studies. 5. Exclusions: o Areas outside the defined geographical and temporal scope. o Excludes topics like soil microbiology and pest interactions. 6. Objectives: o Develop expertise in plant identification and cataloguing. o Collect rare plant specimens for research and conservation through preparing their herbariums. o Assist in studying sunbird behaviour related to climate changes. o Gain practical field research and data collection skills. o Understand ecological interactions between plant and animal species.

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