design and then write a research proposal as if it could be submitted to a funding agency.

Throughout your degree you have been presented with a wealth of scientific information stemming from carefully designed research projects. For scientists to carry out research, they must acquire funds from their own institutions or external agencies, both public and private. In most cases, getting the funding requires submission of a research proposal that clearly outlines the motivation, goals, and expectations of the research project, including relevant background material and a description of methods.
For this graded assignment, you will need to design and then write a research proposal as if it could be submitted to a funding agency. Your research project should aim to address a key question(s) in plant functional ecology.