I am surprised to learn that Monarchs are economically unimportant. Aside
from their ecological roles (pollinators, food for birds, etc.) they have a
significant impact on the tourist industry, and if their magnificent
migrations ended it would have severe economic reprecussions.
It's nice to know that Palin has at least one soulmate in the scientific
community.
Bill Silvert
----- Original Message -----
From: "Paul Cherubini" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: <ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU>
Sent: Tuesday, October 28, 2008 8:43 PM
Subject: Re: [ECOLOG-L] Palin laughs at fruit fly research
Perhaps Sarah Palin and the average Joe's are refering
to the big research grants that are awarded for seemingly
frivolous projects like the one below dealing with the health
of an economically unimportant, but charasmatic insect:
http://tinyurl.com/2d6r9f
$679,492 Grant to assist professor's study of butterflies
Altizer received the National Science Foundation Faculty
Early Development Career award to study migration and
infectious disease patterns in Monarch butterflies.
Altizer hopes her research will help with conservation. She
wants to know how migration keeps Monarchs healthy.
"People tend to love Monarchs to death," Altizer said.
Keeping humans from disrupting the butterflies' migration
will help keep them healthy.
Paul Cherubini
El Dorado, Calif.
