RUI: Differences in Source Water Use of Woody Vegetation of Dzibilchatun in the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico

在尤卡坦半岛发现的干燥热带落叶森林是世界上最受威胁的生态系统之一，但对这些系统知之甚少。由于强大的城市压力，墨西哥的尤卡坦半岛正在发生迅速的变化，使淡水的供应和自然地区的保护成为优先事项。本研究的科学目标是了解不同树种的取水模式如何影响这些生态系统的地上和地下结构和功能。本研究的另一个重要目标是为来自美国的本科生提供有意义的国际研究机会。联合国2005年5月发布的《千年生态系统评估报告》强调了了解世界各地受到威胁的生态系统的结构、功能和效益的重要性。这项研究的结果将帮助科学家了解热带干燥落叶林的功能，以及哪些树种应该用于重新造林。此外，我们的下一代科学家将获得实践研究经验，使用一些最现代的方法来回答当今生物学中的问题（稳定同位素和DNA技术），同时有机会扩大他们的世界观。

Dry tropical deciduous forests found in the Yucatan Peninsula are some of the most threatened ecosystems in the world, yet very little is known about these systems. The Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico is subject to rapid change because of strong urban pressure, making the availability of fresh water and conservation of natural areas priorities. The scientific goal of this study is to develop an understanding of how water acquisition patterns of different tree species influence the above and belowground structure and function of these ecosystems. Another significant goal of this research is to provide meaningful international research opportunities for undergraduate students from the United States. The United Nations' Millennium Ecosystem Assessment released in May 2005 emphasized the importance of understanding the structure, functions, and benefits of threatened ecosystems around the world. Results from this study will help scientists understand how tropical dry deciduous forests function, as well as which tree species should be used for reforestation. Moreover, our next generation of scientists will acquire hands-on research experience using some of the most modern approaches to answering questions in biology today (stable isotopes and DNA techniques) while at the same time having an opportunity to expand their worldview.