Dissertation Research: Forest Dynamics and Quantitative Ethnobotany in Peruvian Amazonia

该项目是对秘鲁亚马逊地区森林动态和民族植物学的综合研究，将为持续利用这些高度多样化的森林提供必要的数据。调查的重点是在1983年建立的8个完全确定的1公顷地块上，树木和藤本植物的死亡率、长势和生长率。初步数据表明，不同地点之间的死亡率差异很大；将审查这些森林动态和多样性相互之间以及对土壤和气候变量的依赖。对于13个1公顷的地块，科学家将把当地的举报人带到每一棵确定的树木和藤本植物上，以量化他们对植物利用的知识，并比较举报人之间的这些知识。植物利用和种群动态数据将用于发现每个地块中常见的有用物种是否正在再生。对于选定的棕榈品种，该项目将比较冠层直径、树高和d.b.h作为一年果实产量预测指标的有效性。该研究将直接为森林动态和保护的生态学理论提供依据。

This project is an integrated study of forest dynamics and ethnobotany in Peruvian Amazonia, which will provide essential data for the sustained use of these highly varied forests. The investigation centers on mortality, ingrowth, and growth rates for trees and lianas 10cm d.b.h. in eight fully identified one- hectare plots established in 1983. Preliminary data indicate major between-site variation in mortality rates; these will be examined for the dependence of forest dynamics and diversity on each other and on soil and climatic variables. For thirteen one- hectare plots, the researchers will take local informants to each identified tree and liana to quantify their knowledge of plant use, and to compare such knowledge between informants. Data on plant use and population dynamics will be used to discover if the common useful species in each plot are regenerating. For selected palm species, the project will compare the effectiveness of canopy diameter, tree height, and d.b.h. as predictors of one year's fruit yield. The research will contribute directly ecological theory of forest dynamics and conservation.