Program Improvement in Tropical Biology

少数民族机构的研究改进（RIMI）项目将 研究干扰对热带雨林的长期影响 生态系统，高辐照对光合作用的影响， 热带树种苗木，以及特有植物的系统研究 热带生物 植被恢复模式研究 滑坡地区将继续存在，植物物种多样性将 作为大小，海拔和微生境的函数进行检查。 的 演替早晚树种的生理反应 将它们移植到开放的滑坡中心进行比较， 部分风化的滑坡边缘，并进入树落间隙。 将营养素添加到各种系统中，以检查 植被重建中的营养限制。 这一全面的调查如何干扰可能发挥主要作用 在创造和维持雨林多样性方面的作用将 大大提高了一个占主导地位的研究能力 少数民族机构。 主要研究人员有很好的 培训，并在可靠的期刊上发表文章。 教师和 参与该项目的学生将进一步加强这些 提高该机构热带生物学的研究技能 程序.

This Research Improvement in Minority Institutions (RIMI) project will examine the long-term effects of disturbance on tropical rain forest ecosystems, the effects of high irradiance on photosynthesis in tropical tree seedlings, and the systematic studies of endemic tropical organisms. Studies on the patterns of revegetation on landslide areas will continue and plant species diversity will be examined as a function of size, elevation, and microhabitat. The physiological responses of early and late successional tree species will be compared by transplating them into the open landslide center, partially recolonized landslide edges, and into treefall gaps. Nutrients will be added to the various systems to examine the role of nourishment limitations in revegetation. This comprehensive investigation of how disturbance may play a major role in creating and maintaining diversity in rain forests will significantly increase the research capability of a predominantly minority institution. The principal investigators have excellent training and have published in solid refereed journals. Faculty and students working on this project will further strengthen those research skills for improving the institution's tropical biology program.