This entire field research project was a fantastic learning experience. I learned a lot of new things, such as sampling strategies and data collection techniques. I wouldn’t say I needed to change my design during the process, but I did spend a significant amount of time at the start of the experiment. It took far too long deciding which species to study and which environment gradient to study, but once these decisions were made, I was ready to go.
Yes, this entire experience taught me how difficult it is to develop an ecology theory. There are many variables that you cannot control and controlling them requires a significant amount of effort. I appreciate the work that ecologists do.