Presenter(s): Sofi Forsman — Environmental Studies, Marine Biology
Faculty Mentor(s): Lauren Hallett, Gabriella Altmire
Session: (In-Person) Poster Presentation
Montane grassland systems are a rare yet highly important ecotype in the Cascade Range. Anthropogenic disturbances are destabilizing the relationship between plant species and insect herbivores. The purpose of this study is to understand some of the factors that affect grasshopper feeding preferences. This study took place at Bunchgrass Meadow, part of the H.J. Andrews Experimental Forest. Three blocks containing 8 blocks each with different soil nutrient treatments were present. Leaf damage measurements were collected for grass species Bromus Carinatus and legume species Lupine Oreganus. Leaf damage via grasshopper chewing was observed from each plot and compared to soil treatments, carbon to nitrogen ratios within plant tissues, and plant species. I found that grasshopper feeding preferences were significantly impacted by all three independent variables. The variables tested explained roughly 70% of the variation in the experiment. The results of this study imply that changes in soil nutrient treatment can influence the trophic levels in montane ecosystems, highlighting the importance of management strategies that mitigate anthropogenic impacts.