A native species' eco-physiological reaction to spatial-temporal variations in volatile metabolites in the tropical forest.

Tropical forests are complex ecosystems characterized by rich biodiversity and intricate interspecies interactions. One of the less understood aspects of these ecosystems is the role of volatile metabolites in shaping the eco-physiological responses of native species. This article explores how variations in spatial and temporal distributions of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) influence the physiological and ecological responses of a selected native plant species in a tropical forest. We conducted field studies to analyze VOC emissions and their correlation with environmental parameters, assessing the impact on plant growth, stress responses, and interactions with pollinators and herbivores. Our findings highlight the adaptive significance of volatile metabolites and suggest that fluctuations in these compounds could be critical in understanding plant resilience in a changing environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]