Dissertation Research: Tropical Tree Fruiting Phenology and Patterns of Seed Dispersal and Seedling Establishment

Schupp0072872热带森林可能仍然物种丰富，由于个别物种的再生能力有限。如果，一般来说，树木种子建立稀疏，或在不适合长期生长的位置，这种有限的再生排除个别物种的优势。对种子传播和存活模式的研究可以确定限制树木再生的因素。特别是，该项目将通过实验测试种子密度和可取性如何影响啮齿动物吃种子。大多数热带树木的种子被动物以不同的密度散布，不同物种的种子在需求上有很大的不同。将试验种属的标记种子以不同的密度和两种期望不同的种属的种子混合物放置。为了确定密度和合意性对种子命运的影响，将随着时间的推移对这些标记的种子进行普查，并与防啮齿动物的种子进行比较。该项目将通过在一个多样化的植物群落中测试一个广泛的假设，促进对种子植物多样性的生态学理解。研究结果将有助于确定有限的个人再生能力是否可以解释在各种生态系统中物种多样性的维持。此外，种子死亡率的调查可以应用于管理的树种组成，以及在残留的天然林。

Schupp0072872Tropical forests may remain species-rich due to the limited regenerative capacity of individual species. If, in general, tree seeds establish sparsely, or in locations unsuitable for long-term growth, such limited regeneration precludes individual species dominance. Studies of seed dispersal and survival patterns can identify factors that limit tree regeneration. In particular, this project will experimentally test how seed density and desirability affect seed eating by rodents. Most tropical tree seeds are dispersed in varying densities by animals, and seeds of different species differ strongly in desirability. Marked seeds of a test species will be placed in different densities and in seed mixes of two species differing in desirability. To determine the effect of density and desirability on seed fate, these marked seeds will be censused over time and compared to seeds protected from rodents. This project will contribute to an ecological understanding of seed plant diversity in general by testing a broad hypothesis in a diverse plant community. Results will help determine if limited individual regenerative capacities can explain the maintenance of species diversity in a variety of ecosystems. In addition, investigations of seed mortality can be applied to managing composition of tree species in remnant as well as natural forests.