Viewing page 118 of 219

This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.

-21-

studies conducted at the Institute. These studies cover such topics as the use of the highly developed sonar and hearing abilities of bats; the effects of tree falls and similar disturbances in maintaining the character of tropical forests; the population, distribution, and importance of various species of animals and plants to the forests' continued existence; and patterns of selection, competition and parental care behavior in marine life.

There is another important factor at work which lends a growing importance to the presence in Panama of the Institute and its research capabilities. The whole issue of the construction of a sea level canal through Panama is again being discussed. The potential effects of linking the two oceans at sea level will be biological as well as economic. The Institute's studies have identified a number of ways important ecological relationships could be affected. For example, research shows that a number of organisms that attack living coral are present in one ocean and not in the other. Where these organisms are absent so are some of their predators and other coral symbionts that limit their depredations. Coral is an important marine structure, biologically, economically and commercially. The research implies that linking the two oceans would not only introduce new enemies to living reef areas, but would introduce them in the initial absence of their controlling mechanisms. Widespread long-term comparative studies need to be done to provide the basis for making judgments about the consequences of this kind of environmental modification. The Institute is in the position to provide much of the necessary scientific support and information on interoceanic interactions as well as baseline data on many of the plants and animals inhabiting both oceans.

Selective research staff growth is anticipated over the next five years in ethology, marine sciences, and freshwater biology. In recent years, and related to its research and conservation efforts, the Institute has promoted its educational services and programs. These will need to continue to be strengthened and additional resources are planned for publications, audio-visual and other materials, meetings and other services to help achieve generally a greater level of public environmental awareness.

In addition, support and administrative resources will be necessary for maintaining the widely scattered physical plant facilities. The upkeep and repair associated with buildings in a tropical environment, many of which are over 50 years old, is a substantial enterprise. More resources are necessary and will be sought. Further information regarding facility repair and improvement funding is contained in the Facilities chapter of this document.

[[underlined]] Radiation Biology Laboratory. [[/underlined]] The Radiation Biology Laboratory will continue to study solar radiation and its influence on plants and other living organisms, emphasizing research in regulatory biology and environmental biology. Additional technical support will be sought for senior staff scientists who have been functioning for several years with inadequate levels of support and technical staff.

The Laboratory studies the mechanisms by which light regulates enzyme activity, alters the readout of genetic information, and interacts with membrane systems. Detailed molecular descriptions of these processes are being pursued. For example, a binding site on the regulatory pigment phytochrome