Did you have any issues with the implementation or have to make any changes to your design?
During the implementation of this project, I encountered some challenges and had to adjust my experimental design. Initially, I struggled with selecting the specific location for the study. I was volunteering at Garry Oak Project at VIU, and I was particularly interested in studying the interactions between invasive and non-invasive species in the area. With this in mind, I chose to examine the interaction between Daphne and Salal (specifically herbivory), which became the focus of my research.
One of the main challenges I encountered during the project was determining the most effective way to measure herbivory and implementing sampling techniques that would reduce potential biases. Measuring herbivory is a complex task as it involves assessing the damage inflicted by herbivores on plants. Initially, I planned to collect leaf samples from individual plants and calculate the percentage of leaf damage by comparing the affected area to the total leaf area. However, due to my sample size (60 samples in total), I had concerns about removing leaves from the plants. As a result, I decided to count the total number of leaves and the number of damaged leaves per plant at high and low elevations. Additionally, I’ve also modified my sample unit to individual species instead of using quadrat.
Has engaging in the practice of ecology altered your appreciation for how ecological theory is developed?
Engaging in the practice of ecology has undoubtedly transformed my appreciation for the development of ecological theory. Initially, my interest predominantly leaned towards laboratory experiments, where controlled conditions allowed for precise measurements and observations. However, my perspective underwent a significant shift as I ventured into the field and experienced the intricate dynamics of the natural environment firsthand. Working in the field exposed me to the complexities that can be hard to replicate within the confines of a controlled laboratory setting. I witnessed the interconnectedness of species, the influence of environmental factors, and the intricate webs of interactions that shape ecosystems.