CRB: Predicting the Genetic Consequencies of the Fragmentation of Tropical Tree Populations

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9610275 Hamrick The proposed research will measure several factors involved with the breeding structure of populations of three Neotropical tree species, Enterolobium cyclocarpum, Hymenaea courbaril and Spondias mombin. These three species are pollinated by different pollinators, have different seed dispersal mechanisms and occur at very different population densities. Study sites will be located in disturbed and relatively undisturbed habitats located in the vicinity of Barro Colorado Nature Monument, Panama and Palo Verde National Park, Costa Rica. Genetic analyses of the progeny of several adult trees in each site will be used to determine relative levels of male and female reproductive success, levels of pollen and seed movement into each population and the genetic relatedness of the adults within each population. These data will be used to determine whether the small fragmented populations in disturbed habitats are likely to lose genetic diversity or will suffer the consequences of increased rates of inbreeding. The expected results should prove useful for managing disturbed habitats to maximize species diversity and genetic diversity and for the restoration of forest habitats.