Egbert G. Leigh Jr.

Biologist

Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Smithsonian Institution

Unit 0948

APO AA 34002-0948

The mechanisms by which mutualism evolves (population genetics theory thereof).

The role of mutualism in evolution and in ecosystem function.

Evolutionary implications of population genetics.

Why there are so many kinds of tropical trees.

Mechanisms maintaining the ‘balance of nature’ in tropical forests.

What small, newly isolated islands in reservoirs can tell us about the ecological organization of intact tropical forest.

Community and ecosystem ecology.

Tree architecture and physiognomy of tropical forest.

What human economies, large islands, and islets in reservoirs reveal about the processes of ecosystem evolution and the preconditions for high productivity and diversity.

Recent Publications

E. G. Leigh, Jr. 2007. Neutral theory: A Historical Perspective. Journal of Evolutionary Biology 20: 2075-2091.

E. G. Leigh, Jr. 1999. Tropical Forest Ecology. Oxford University Press, New York.

E. G. Leigh, Jr. 1990. Genes, bees and ecosystems: The evolution of a common interest among Individuals. Trends in Ecology and Evolution 6: 257-262.

E. G. Leigh, Jr., P. Davidar, C. W. Dick et al. 2004. Why do some tropical forests have so many species of trees? Biotropica 36: 447-473.

E. G. Leigh, Jr. and G. J. Vermeij. Does natural selection organize ecosystems for the maintenance of high productivity and diversity? Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London B 357: 709-718.

Updated -1/09/08
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