RUI:Biodiversity and Ecology of Tree Canopy Biota in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

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The objectives of this proposed research project are to:1- complete the first comprehensive survey and inventory of treecanopy biodiversity from three meters to the upper canopy for biotarepresented by myxomycetes, other mycetozoan groups (protostelids anddictyostelids), fungi, mosses, liverworts, lichens, ferns, selectedinsect groups, and molluscs in the Great Smoky Mountains NationalPark2- assemble a multidisciplinary research team of experts who willcollect, identify, and curate this diverse group of organisms andserve as mentors who will give special lectures, slide shows, hands onidentification of specimens, and field demonstrations to aid studentsin the recognition of specimens and collection of samples;3-compare the assemblages of tree canopy organisms with thosefound on ground sites;4-search for species new to science in all of the targeted groupsof organisms;5- sample for biota along vertical transects of individual trees atdifferent heights to quantify the association of the relative speciescomposition, abundance, and diversity of these assemblages with theavailable environmental characteristics (host tree species, vegetationtype, height class, light, pH, and humidity);6- compare the tree canopy-targeted groups and assemblages ondifferent tree species;7- provide research experiences for students that will enhanceopportunities for postgraduate study.This study will determine if the biota (myxomycetes, protostelids,dictyostelids, fungi, mosses, liverworts, lichens, and ferns), ofspecies assemblages, and communities found on the bark of living treesand vines above three meters differ from those found in habitats onground sites. This project will assist in determining if theseassemblages and communities can be predicted based on measuredenvironmental parameters that will provide a basis for futurecomparisons with forests that are harvested using forestry managementstrategies. The methodology used to obtain samples from the treecanopy will be the double rope climbing technique that will enable thecollector to access the treetops. Collections will be made from thetree canopy and also from moist chamber cultures in the laboratory. Statistical analysis of species assemblages identified from each treewill be compared. These species assemblages and communities are important since they arethe first species to show signs of environmental degradation such asacid rain, sulfur and nitrogen dioxide deposits, and ozone. Datagenerated from this project will help park managers assess theenvironmental impacts of human factors not only in old growth forestsbut with any forest vegetation type. This project will involve fourRUI (Research in Undergraduate Institutions) institutions collaborating inthe study of the different targeted groups of organisms with aninternational component of experts from Norway, Russia, and Lithuaniawho will provide species identification for specific groups oforganisms. Women and minorities who are underrepresented in fieldbiology research will participate along with volunteers, park interns,undergraduate and graduate students, and key project personnel. Results will be highlighted in park interpretive exhibitions, websiteoutreach, news media coverage (print and television), publication of articles inpopular magazines, in refereed journals that will send a powerfulconservation message for biodiversity.