This National Science Foundation Project Grant award of $606,102 provides funding from August 1, 2022 through July 31, 2025 to determine the synergistic effects of global warming on fundamental vital rates, fitness, and predation of tropical insect herbivores. The award is made through the Biological Sciences program (CFDA 47.074) to support basic biological research that strengthens the nation's scientific enterprise. Specifically, the University of Connecticut will conduct experimental demography research on ten insect species associated with banana-like plants to model how generalist and specialist herbivores respond directly and indirectly to warming temperatures. Heating experiments will assess tolerance of predators compared to prey and potential trophic cascades. Demographic models will integrate effects of temperature and diet on vital rates and predation to determine temperature tipping points for population extinction. Online education modules will be integrated to teach undergraduates participating in workshops.
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