Genealogical Analysis of Tropical Tree Populations

本研究将研究导致热带树木种群内遗传变异分布的因素。一种统计技术，谱系重建将利用几个遗传位点来确定种子和建立的幼苗的亲本。一旦这些个体的父母被确定，有关精细遗传结构的发展和维持的几个问题就可以得到回答。哈姆里克博士将能够测量花粉移动的距离，并确定花粉的迁移是否在塑造这些种群的遗传组成方面起着重要作用。他还将能够测量种子传播距离，并确定哪些成年个体在繁殖下一代方面是有效的。这项研究的重要性在于它有可能更好地理解在热带树种生殖生物学中起作用的机制。这些信息可用于有效地设计和维护保护区。这对于热带森林被破坏后的再生也很重要。最后，本研究将为热带树木群落的生态学和进化提供基础资料。

This research will study those factors that give rise to the distribution of genetic variation within populations of tropical trees. A statistical technique, genealogical reconstruction will utilize several genetic loci to identify the parents of seeds and established seedlings. Once the parents of these individuals have been identified, several questions concerning the development and maintenance of fine-scale genetic structure can be answered. Dr. Hamrick will be able to measure the distance pollen moves and to determine whether the immigration of pollen plays a significant role in shaping the genetic composition of these populations. He will also be able to measure seed dispersal distances and to determine which adult individuals are effective in reproducing the next generation. The importance of this research is its potential to provide a better understanding of the mechanisms that play a role in the reproductive biology of tropical tree species. This information could be used in the effective design and maintenance of conservation areas. It could also be important for attempts to regenerate tropical forests after their destruction. Finally, this research will provide basic information concerning the ecology and evolution of tropical tree communities.