By understanding how stand-level dynamics conform to or deviate from overall chronosequence patterns within each of these regions, we will identify key ecological factors, processes, and mechanisms that influence successional pathways. The long-term data gathered will provide essential information to guide forest restoration, carbon sequestration, and biodiversity conservation in the Neotropics. Ultimately, our results will enable development of more predictive and more widely applied models of successional vegetation dynamics in today’s complex tropical landscapes. Based on intensive, continuing observations in study plots in three tropical regions, we are rigorously testing whether temporal changes parallel chronosequences in secondary succession. We are addressing the following questions:
Response Variables...
