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

由于单个物种的再生能力有限，热带森林可能保持物种丰富。一般来说，如果树木种子生长稀疏，或者在不适合长期生长的地方，这种有限的再生就排除了单个物种的优势。对种子传播和生存模式的研究可以确定限制树木更新的因素。特别是，这个项目将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通过动物以不同的密度传播，不同物种的种子在受欢迎程度上差别很大。一个试验物种的有标记的种子将被放置在不同的密度中，并放在两种不同的种子混合物中。为了确定密度和可取性对种子命运的影响，这些标记的种子将随着时间的推移进行普查，并与保护的种子进行比较。该项目将通过在不同的植物群落中测试一个广泛的假设，有助于对种子植物多样性的生态学理解。结果将有助于确定有限的个体再生能力是否可以解释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天然林和残余林树种组成的管理。

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.