Research Internship in Ecology

Studying Mutualism at GKVK, Bengaluru

I had the opportunity to complete a two-week research internship at the Gandhi Krishi Vigyan Kendra (GKVK), Bengaluru, from 23rd December 2023 to 6th January 2024, as part of my MSc Zoology program at St. Albert’s College (Autonomous).

The internship focused on understanding mutualism—a natural relationship where two living beings help each other survive. In this case, the study explored how castor plants and insects like ants and spiders support one another in nature.

What the Research Was About

The project studied defensive mutualism between the castor plant (Ricinus communis) and insects. Castor plants produce extrafloral nectar (sweet drops outside flowers). Ants and spiders come to drink this nectar, and in return, they protect the plant from pests.

This research was conducted under the guidance of Pooja Nathan, a PhD researcher from the University of Toronto, working on insect–plant mutualism.

What I Did During the Internship

During the internship, I was directly involved in field-based scientific research, including:

Observing ants, spiders, and insects on castor plants
Measuring nectar secretion from extrafloral nectaries
Bagging leaves to prevent insect interference
Recording insect species, numbers, and behavior
Collecting and documenting biodiversity data using standard methods
Identifying insects using taxonomic keys
Uploading and maintaining data through structured digital forms

I also took part in ant biodiversity surveys, photographic documentation, and species identification, contributing directly to ongoing PhD research.

Key Learnings

Plants that produced more nectar attracted more ants and spiders
More predators meant less plant damage
Mutualism directly improved plant health, flowering, and seed production
Small interactions in nature can have big ecological impacts

I observed 34 ant species, 28 spider species, and 26 butterfly and moth species, which helped me understand how rich and connected ecosystems really are.

Academic Exposure

The internship also included visits to research institutions, including the Department of Entomology at GKVK and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru. These visits helped me understand how advanced research labs function and how interdisciplinary science works in real life.

Overall Experience

This internship gave me hands-on experience in ecological field research, improved my observation and data-handling skills, and strengthened my interest in biodiversity, insect ecology, and conservation science. It showed me how careful observation, patience, and teamwork are essential in real scientific work.

Most importantly, it helped me see how tiny insects and simple plants together shape entire ecosystems.

Page updated

Google Sites

Report abuse