Research Coordination Networks in Biological Sciences (RCNBS): Comparative Demographic Analyses Using a Global Network of Large Plots

热带森林科学中心（CTFS）是一个全球性的雨林研究网络，它比较了来自地球仪的热带雨林数据，以更好地理解为什么这个生态系统是世界上最多样化的，以及如何保持这种非凡的多样性。 CTFS监测超过300万棵树木，管理着超过10%的热带树种数据库。 CTFS通过增加网络内的训练和分析能力，最大限度地发挥分析和合成这个巨大的雨林树木数据库的潜力。该研究协调网络将在五年内组织一系列为期一个月的分析和培训讲习班，其目标是：（1）建立美国和发展中国家科学家在数据分析和建模方面的技术专长，（2）概括热带地区的森林动态和物种多样性的维持。 雨林的价值远远超过其丰富的物种;它们是世界上最大的陆地碳储存来源，为药物和农业发展提供基因库，并为当地社区提供环境服务，如流域保护和当地气候控制。 然而，雨林也是世界上最受威胁的生态系统之一。 CTFS网络的全球标准化数据集为科学家提供了一个独特的资源，以提高我们对如何最好地管理和保护这些森林的全球理解。

The Center for Tropical Forest Science (CTFS) - a global network of rainforest research plots - compares data from tropical rainforests from around the globe to better understand the questions of why this ecosystem is the most diverse in the world and how this extraordinary diversity can be maintained. CTFS monitors over three million trees, managing a database of more than 10% of all tropical tree species. CTFS maximizes the potential for analyzing and synthesizing this enormous database of rainforest trees by increasing training and analytical capacity within the network. This Research Coordination Network, based on CTFS, will organize a series of month-long analytical and training workshops over five years, with the objective of: (1) building the technical expertise of US and developing world scientists in data analysis and modeling, and (2) developing generalizations about forest dynamics and the maintenance of species diversity in the tropics. The value of rainforests far exceeds even their great wealth of species; they are the largest terrestrial source of carbon storage in the world, provide storehouses of genes for drug and agricultural development, and provide local communities with environmental services such as watershed protection and local climate control. Yet rainforests are also one of the most threatened ecosystems in the world. The global standardized dataset from the CTFS network provides a unique resource for scientists to improve our global understanding of how these forests can be best managed and conserved.