Trophic interaction field observation

Knowledge graph centered on Trophic interaction field observation with 45 nodes and 137 connections. Top connected: Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory, Barbey's Larkspur, Nuttall's Larkspur, Larkspurs, Engelmann Spruce.

Method synopsis

Systematic field observation of trophic interactions between organisms, primarily plants and insects, with rotating temporal sampling across multiple sites to record feeding relationships and interaction certainty.

Synthesized from method descriptions across 2 papers using this protocol.

Procedure as described in the canonical source

Steps below were extracted from the paper that introduces this protocol — Remote sensing strategies for surface mineral and contaminant detection (2025). Implementations in other papers (listed below) may differ.

1. Establish study plots
   Selected four study sites: Harte Lab upper site (Plot A), plot in southern area of research meadow (Plot B), plot near warming meadow (Plot C), and Harte Lab middle site (Plot D). All sites have similar aspects and face south.
   Quantities: 4 plots totalDuration: Not specifiedConditions: All sites have similar aspects and face south
2. Record trophic interactions
   Collected data by recording observations of possible trophic interactions, including degree of interaction (certainty of trophic link). Documented organisms that were most commonly plants and insects.
   Quantities: 91 species at plot A, 113 species each at plots B and C, 95 species at plot D; 122 links at Plot A, 170 links at Plot B, 166 links at Plot C, 131 links at Plot DDuration: About five weeks, from June 27 until August 6, with three days missed (June 16-18)Conditions: Summer field season
3. Schedule systematic observations
   Each day studied two sites for 1.75 hours at one of four times: early morning (6am), mid morning (between 8-12am), afternoon (between 1-5pm) and evening (7pm). Each site was visited 5 times each for morning and afternoon hours, and one time each for early morning and evening. Scheduled on a rotating basis so that all sites had been visited equally with respect to time of observation, as well as spread throughout the summer.
   Quantities: 2 sites per day, 1.75 hours per site, 4 different time periods, 5 visits each for morning and afternoon, 1 visit each for early morning and evening

Output Measurements

• trophic links
• species lists
• interaction certainty

Papers Using This Protocol (2)

Species Studied With This Protocol

Places Where Used