MODELS OF PATCH DYNAMICS IN TROPICAL FORESTS

Recent interest in the ecology and evolution of metapopulations and conservation of fragmented populations has stimulated the development of models that combine patch and population dynamics in tropical forests. One approach uses matrix models that are actual metapopulation or multiregional demographic models. Another approach uses computer simulations to model forest succession based on the behavior of individual trees. We review applications of both types of models and suggest new combined modelling approaches.