Consequences of variable reproduction for seedling recruitment in three neotropical tree species

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  • Authors: De Steven, Diane; Wright, S. Joseph
  • Publication Year: 2002
  • Publication Series: Scientific Journal (JRNL)
  • Source: Ecology 83(8): 2315-2327

Abstract

Variable seed production may have important consequences for recruitment but poorly documented for frugivore-dispersed tropical trees. Recruitment limitation may also may be a critical spatial process affectng forest dynamics, but it is rarely assessed at the scale of individual trees. Over an 11-yr period, we studied the consequences of variable seed production for initial seedling recruitment in three shade-tolerant tree species (Quararibea asterolepis, Tetragastris panamensis, and Trichillia tubercuata) on Barro Colorado Island, Panama. We measured annual seed production for a permanent sample of focal trees and censured annual new seedling establishment within a restricted dispersal neighborhood of each tree. We analyzed temporal and spatial variability in recruitment and compared reruitment limitations among species.

  • Citation: De Steven, Diane; Wright, S. Joesph. 2002. Consequences of variable reproduction for seedling recruitment in three neotropical tree species. Ecology 83(8): 2315-2327
  • Keywords: Barro Colorado Island, Panama, density dependence, Quaraibea asterolepis, recruitment limitation, seed production, seedling demography, Tetragastris panamensis, Trichilia tuberculata, tropical tree demography
  • Posted Date: January 1, 2000
  • Modified Date: February 10, 2021

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