A new study investigates the survival of seedlings in the tropical rainforest. Photo by Thomas Hesselberg.

One of the most striking differences between walking in a temperate and in a tropical forest is the much higher plant diversity in the latter. Whereas a typical temperate forest contains perhaps a few dozen different tree species at the maximum, a tropical forest can sustain up several hundred different species. However, how do the individual seed and seedlings from so many species manage to survive and thrive in the highly competitive environment of the rainforest? Of course the obvious answer is that most seeds do not survive, but some obviously do or the diversity would not be maintained. The botanists Alvares-Clare and Kitajima from the University of Florida have in a new study examined seed survival from a Tropical forest in Panama.

The scientist conducted a field study by collecting seeds from 8 common species and nurturing them into seedlings in a protected environment. The young seedlings were then transplanted into marked areas of the forest. Their fate was then carefully monitored for a year.  

The results showed that 76% of all seedlings died during the year. Vertebrate activity, particular consumption but also mechanical trampling etc, were causing most of the damage especially during the first months after transplantation. Diseases were also a major cause of damage and mortality, whereas mechanical damage caused by tree and litter-fall only accounted for about 4% of the damage.

The data collected in the described study is important for predicting the change in species composition and thus conservation following fragmentation of the forest and reduction or extinction of mammals and other vertebrates.

Source:
Alvarez-Clare, S. and Kitajima, K. (2009) Susceptibility of Tree Seedlings to Biotic and Abiotic Hazards in the Understory of a Moist Tropical Forest in Panama. Biotropica Doi: 10.1111/j.1744-7429.2008.00442.x.

Tag it:

?

Be first to comment this article

Only registered users can write comments.
Please login or register.

Powered by AkoComment Tweaked Special Edition