Annual Variation in Seedfall, Postdispersal Predation, and Recruitment of a Neotropical Tree

摘要: Knowledge of the dynamics seed production and seedling recruitment individual tree species is crucial for a complete understanding tropical forest dynamics, yet multiyear studies on young stages trees are virtually nonexistent. In 4-yr study understory Faramea occidentalis Barro Colorado Island, Panama, author quantified natural levels viable seedfall, emergence, establishment, experimentally estimated postdispersal predation. The predation, early survival, all differed significantly among years. proportion fallen seeds destroyed by predators before germination was not related to quantity F. seedfall. Within year, however, predation appeared be influenced community-wide with high rates during times low abundance very late dry season peak in seedfall community. Most annual variation can explained combination predation; 3 4 yr emergence could predicted from knowledge probability surviving until ofmore » germination. 4th yr, demonstrated that environmental conditions provide sporadic, though important, limitation recruitment. comparison many species, survival relatively high, as ratio seedlings recruited per falling. highly successful associated population density both saplings adults area.« less