Tropical Plant Ecology and Evolution Laboratory

Elvia Meléndez-ackerman

Laboratory Group 

the mona island project 

Research projects 

methods 

ecology course 

laboratory use

 funding opportunities 

e h &s

Studies in our research group varied in scope but most have three main focuses: 

1) the mechanisms of evolution of floral traits and, in particular, whether traits are currently under the influence of natural selection.

2) the effect of invasive species on plant community structure, with emphasis on Mona Island, Puerto Rico. 

3) Distribution of genetic and morphological variation in tropical plants.  

Other research interests include the relationship between environmental gradients and distribution of orchid species.  Studies involve have laboratory and field components and sites include Puerto Rico and the Lesser Antilles.   The laboratory director is Dr. Elvia Meléndez-Ackerman, a faculty member of the Institute for Tropical Ecosystem Studies and the Biology Graduate Program of the University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras. 

 For specific information on particular   projects, contacts or funding opportunities please see our Web page.