Elizabeth R. Jones Hometown: Hillsborough, CA Advisor: Lisa M. Curran

I propose to study the role of recruitment limitation in maintaining seedling species diversity in the rainforests of Papua New Guinea. Plant mortality is greatest in its seed and seedling stages, therefore factors that influence seedling composition are potentially critical for determining adult tree community demography and ecological interactions. I will assess stage-specific recruitment limitation patterns and identify species-specific traits that may influence regeneration success. This study will examine the relative effect of seed limitation and animal-driven seed and seedling mortality on regeneration patterns and identify potential habitat and/or community factors that may influence seedling species diversity.