9306641 Wolff Results from a 13-year study conducted at the Mountain Lake Biological Station in the southern Appalachian Mountains suggests a dynamic interaction between mast production and primary and secondary consumers. Episodic mast production has resulted in population fluctuations of mice, chipmunks, and other mast consumers. Carnivores, primarily barred owls, exhibit a numerical response to rodent densities. Seed survival and germination occurs only during peak mast production years and seedling mortality is associated with deer browsing activity. Chipmunks appear to be the major predators on ground nesting birds, and their densities are inversely correlated with junco fledgling success. This project will continue the monitoring of the major players in these trophic levels for two years to determine the direct and indirect effects of episodic mast production on selected primary and secondary consumers, seed survival and forest regeneration, and community stability in a southern Appalachian deciduous forest community. Specifically the project will (1) determine the role of mast production in regulating population densities of three seed-eating rodent species, white-footed mice, deer mice, and chipmunks, (2) determine if and how fluctuating rodent densities affect seed survival and germination rates, and fledgling success of ground nesting birds, primarily juncos, (3) test the predator-satiation hypothesis for seed masting in deciduous oaks, (4) determine the role of deer browsing on survival and growth of understory vegetation, and (5) provide baseline data on these aspects of the community structure and dynamics prior to the anticipated invasion of gypsy moths. %%% Research projects of this type are especially important to the understanding of the complex interactions of populations comprised by the forest ecosystem. Results from the work should yield fundamental insights on species interactions as well s provided information applicable to the be tter management of forest resources. ***
