1
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Mougi A. Ecosystem engineering and food web stability. Sci Rep 2024; 14:19400. [PMID: 39169231 PMCID: PMC11339392 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-70626-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 08/19/2024] [Indexed: 08/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Ecosystem engineering, which involves organism-triggered physical modification of the environment, is a widespread phenomenon. Despite this, the role of engineering in ecological communities remains poorly understood. This study employs a food web model to uncover the key roles of ecosystem engineering in maintaining food webs. While engineers facilitating population growth and suppressing consumers' foraging activity can help maintain complex communities with diverse species, engineering effects that suppress population growth and facilitate consumers' foraging activity can largely destabilize community dynamics. Furthermore, in the middle levels of engineering-related species within a community, an increase in species richness can increase community stability, contrary to classical ecological prediction. The study findings suggest that ecosystem engineering can explain biodiversity persistence in nature, but it depends on the proportion of engineering-related species and how engineering affects organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akihiko Mougi
- Institute of Agricultural and Life Sciences, Academic Assembly, Shimane University, 1060 Nishikawatsu-cho, Matsue, 690-8504, Japan.
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2
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Poley L, Galla T, Baron JW. Eigenvalue spectra of finely structured random matrices. Phys Rev E 2024; 109:064301. [PMID: 39020998 DOI: 10.1103/physreve.109.064301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
Random matrix theory allows for the deduction of stability criteria for complex systems using only a summary knowledge of the statistics of the interactions between components. As such, results like the well-known elliptical law are applicable in a myriad of different contexts. However, it is often assumed that all components of the complex system in question are statistically equivalent, which is unrealistic in many applications. Here we introduce the concept of a finely structured random matrix. These are random matrices with element-specific statistics, which can be used to model systems in which the individual components are statistically distinct. By supposing that the degree of "fine structure" in the matrix is small, we arrive at a succinct "modified" elliptical law. We demonstrate the direct applicability of our results to the niche and cascade models in theoretical ecology, as well as a model of a neural network, and a directed network with arbitrary degree distribution. The simple closed form of our central results allow us to draw broad qualitative conclusions about the effect of fine structure on stability.
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3
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Perälä T, Kuisma M, Uusi-Heikkilä S, Kuparinen A. Food-web complexity, consumer behavior, and diet specialism: impacts on ecosystem stability. THEOR ECOL-NETH 2024; 17:131-141. [PMID: 38881682 PMCID: PMC11178659 DOI: 10.1007/s12080-024-00580-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
Ecological stability is a fundamental aspect of food web dynamics. In this study, we explore the factors influencing stability in complex ecological networks, characterizing it through biomass oscillations and species persistence. Using an Extended Niche model, we generate diverse food web structures and investigate the effects of intraspecific consumer interference, network size, connectance, and diet specialism on stability. Our findings reveal that intraspecific consumer interference plays a pivotal role in shaping stability. Higher interference results in stable dynamics, reducing oscillations and extinctions. Additionally, differences emerge between food webs comprised of invertebrate consumers and those of ectotherm vertebrates, with the latter showing higher oscillations. Network size and connectance also influence stability, where larger and more connected webs tend to exhibit reduced oscillations. Overall, our study sheds light on the complex interplay of factors affecting ecological stability in food webs. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for biodiversity conservation and ecosystem management. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12080-024-00580-w.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tommi Perälä
- Department of Biological and Environmental Science, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Mikael Kuisma
- Department of Physics, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Silva Uusi-Heikkilä
- Department of Biological and Environmental Science, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Anna Kuparinen
- Department of Biological and Environmental Science, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
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4
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Alvarez-Baca JK, Montealegre X, Alfaro-Tapia A, Zepeda-Paulo F, Van Baaren J, Lavandero B, Le Lann C. Composition and Food Web Structure of Aphid-Parasitoid Populations on Plum Orchards in Chile. INSECTS 2023; 14:288. [PMID: 36975973 PMCID: PMC10051262 DOI: 10.3390/insects14030288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
By increasing plant diversity in agroecosystems, it has been proposed that one can enhance and stabilize ecosystem functioning by increasing natural enemies' diversity. Food web structure determines ecosystem functioning as species at different trophic levels are linked in interacting networks. We compared the food web structure and composition of the aphid- parasitoid and aphid-hyperparasitoid networks in two differentially managed plum orchards: plums with inter-rows of oats as a cover crop (OCC) and plums with inter-rows of spontaneous vegetation (SV). We hypothesized that food web composition and structure vary between OCC and SV, with network specialization being higher in OCC and a more complex food web composition in SV treatment. We found a more complex food web composition with a higher species richness in SV compared to OCC. Quantitative food web metrics differed significantly among treatments showing a higher generality, vulnerability, interaction evenness, and linkage density in SV, while OCC presented a higher degree of specialization. Our results suggest that plant diversification can greatly influence the food web structure and composition, with bottom-up effects induced by plant and aphid hosts that might benefit parasitoids and provide a better understanding of the activity, abundance, and interactions between aphids, parasitoids, and hyperparasitoids in plum orchards.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeniffer K. Alvarez-Baca
- Laboratorio de Control Biológico, Instituto de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Talca, Talca 3460000, Chile
- ECOBIO (Écosystèmes, Biodiversité, Évolution)-UMR 6553, Université de Rennes 1, CNRS, 6553 Rennes, France
| | - Xiomara Montealegre
- Laboratorio de Control Biológico, Instituto de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Talca, Talca 3460000, Chile
| | - Armando Alfaro-Tapia
- Laboratorio de Control Biológico, Instituto de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Talca, Talca 3460000, Chile
- ECOBIO (Écosystèmes, Biodiversité, Évolution)-UMR 6553, Université de Rennes 1, CNRS, 6553 Rennes, France
- Centro Regional de Investigación e Innovación para la Sostenibilidad de la Agricultura y los Territorios Rurales, Centro Ceres, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Quillota 2260000, Chile
| | - Francisca Zepeda-Paulo
- Laboratorio de Control Biológico, Instituto de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Talca, Talca 3460000, Chile
- Instituto Interdisciplinario para la Innovación -I3-, Universidad de Talca, Talca 3460000, Chile
| | - Joan Van Baaren
- ECOBIO (Écosystèmes, Biodiversité, Évolution)-UMR 6553, Université de Rennes 1, CNRS, 6553 Rennes, France
| | - Blas Lavandero
- Laboratorio de Control Biológico, Instituto de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Talca, Talca 3460000, Chile
| | - Cécile Le Lann
- ECOBIO (Écosystèmes, Biodiversité, Évolution)-UMR 6553, Université de Rennes 1, CNRS, 6553 Rennes, France
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5
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González C. Evolution of the concept of ecological integrity and its study through networks. Ecol Modell 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ecolmodel.2022.110224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
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6
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Plant invasion drives liana and tree community assemblages and liana-tree network structure in two moist semi-deciduous forests in Ghana. Biol Invasions 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s10530-022-02933-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
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7
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Allen WJ, Bufford JL, Barnes AD, Barratt BIP, Deslippe JR, Dickie IA, Goldson SL, Howlett BG, Hulme PE, Lavorel S, O'Brien SA, Waller LP, Tylianakis JM. A network perspective for sustainable agroecosystems. TRENDS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 27:769-780. [PMID: 35501260 DOI: 10.1016/j.tplants.2022.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Revised: 03/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Nature-based management aims to improve sustainable agroecosystem production, but its efficacy has been variable. We argue that nature-based agroecosystem management could be significantly improved by explicitly considering and manipulating the underlying networks of species interactions. A network perspective can link species interactions to ecosystem functioning and stability, identify influential species and interactions, and suggest optimal management approaches. Recent advances in predicting the network roles of species from their functional traits could allow direct manipulation of network architecture through additions or removals of species with targeted traits. Combined with improved understanding of the structure and dynamics of networks across spatial and temporal scales and interaction types, including social-ecological, applying these tools to nature-based management can contribute to sustainable agroecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Warwick J Allen
- Bio-Protection Research Centre/Bioprotection Aotearoa, School of Biological Sciences, University of Canterbury, Christchurch 8041, New Zealand.
| | - Jennifer L Bufford
- Bio-Protection Research Centre/Bioprotection Aotearoa, PO Box 85084, Lincoln University, Lincoln 7647, New Zealand
| | - Andrew D Barnes
- Te Aka Mātuatua - School of Science, University of Waikato, Private Bag 3105, Hamilton 3204, New Zealand
| | - Barbara I P Barratt
- AgResearch, Invermay Research Centre, Mosgiel 9053, New Zealand; Department of Botany, University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
| | - Julie R Deslippe
- Centre for Biodiversity and Restoration Ecology and School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington 6140, New Zealand
| | - Ian A Dickie
- Bio-Protection Research Centre/Bioprotection Aotearoa, School of Biological Sciences, University of Canterbury, Christchurch 8041, New Zealand
| | - Stephen L Goldson
- Bio-Protection Research Centre/Bioprotection Aotearoa, PO Box 85084, Lincoln University, Lincoln 7647, New Zealand; AgResearch, Private Bag 4749, Christchurch 8140, New Zealand
| | - Brad G Howlett
- The New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research Limited, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Philip E Hulme
- Bio-Protection Research Centre/Bioprotection Aotearoa, PO Box 85084, Lincoln University, Lincoln 7647, New Zealand
| | - Sandra Lavorel
- Manaaki Whenua Landcare Research, Lincoln, New Zealand; Laboratoire d'Ecologie Alpine, Université Grenoble Alpes CNRS, Université Savoie Mont-Blanc, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Sophie A O'Brien
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Canterbury, Private Bag 4800, Christchurch 8140, New Zealand
| | - Lauren P Waller
- Bio-Protection Research Centre/Bioprotection Aotearoa, PO Box 85084, Lincoln University, Lincoln 7647, New Zealand
| | - Jason M Tylianakis
- Bio-Protection Research Centre/Bioprotection Aotearoa, School of Biological Sciences, University of Canterbury, Christchurch 8041, New Zealand
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8
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Funes M, Saravia LA, Cordone G, Iribarne OO, Galván DE. Network analysis suggests changes in food web stability produced by bottom trawl fishery in Patagonia. Sci Rep 2022; 12:10876. [PMID: 35760984 PMCID: PMC9237026 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-14363-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Demersal fisheries are one of the top anthropic stressors in marine environments. In the long term, some species are more vulnerable to fishery impacts than others, which can lead to permanent changes on the food web. The trophic relationships between predator and prey constitute the food web and it represents a network of the energy channels in an ecosystem. In turn, the network structure influences ecosystem diversity and stability. The first aim of this study was to describe for the first time the food web of the San Jorge Gulf (Patagonia Argentina) with high resolution, i.e. to the species level when information is available. The San Jorge Gulf was subject to intense fisheries thus our second aim is to analyse the food web structure with and without fishery to evaluate if the bottom-trawl industrial fishery altered the network structure and stability. We used several network metrics like: mean trophic level, omnivory, modularity and quasi-sign stability. We included these metrics because they are related to stability and can be evaluated using predator diets that can weight the links between predators and prey. The network presented 165 species organized in almost five trophic levels. The inclusion of a fishery node adds 69 new trophic links. All weighted and unweighted metrics showed differences between the two networks, reflecting a decrease in stability when fishery was included in the system. Thus, our results suggested a probable change of state of the system. The observed changes in species abundances since the fishery was established, could represent the state change predicted by network analysis. Our results suggests that changes in the stability of food webs can be used to evaluate the impacts of human activity on ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Funes
- Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras (IIMyC-CONICET), Rodriguez Peña 4046 Nivel 1, B7602GSD, Mar del Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Leonardo A Saravia
- Centro Austral de Investigaciones Científicas del Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CADIC-CONICET), Bernardo Houssay 200, V9410CAB, Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina. .,Instituto de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional de General Sarmiento, J.M. Gutierrez 1159 (1613), Los Polvorines, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Georgina Cordone
- Centro para el Estudio de Sistemas Marinos-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CESIMAR-CONICET), Bv. Almirante Brown 2915, U9120ACV, Puerto Madryn, Chubut, Argentina
| | - Oscar O Iribarne
- Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras (IIMyC-CONICET), Rodriguez Peña 4046 Nivel 1, B7602GSD, Mar del Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - David E Galván
- Centro para el Estudio de Sistemas Marinos-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CESIMAR-CONICET), Bv. Almirante Brown 2915, U9120ACV, Puerto Madryn, Chubut, Argentina
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9
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Kuiper JJ, Kooi BW, Peterson GD, Mooij WM. Bridging Theories for Ecosystem Stability Through Structural Sensitivity Analysis of Ecological Models in Equilibrium. Acta Biotheor 2022; 70:18. [PMID: 35737146 PMCID: PMC9225980 DOI: 10.1007/s10441-022-09441-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Ecologists are challenged by the need to bridge and synthesize different approaches and theories to obtain a coherent understanding of ecosystems in a changing world. Both food web theory and regime shift theory shine light on mechanisms that confer stability to ecosystems, but from different angles. Empirical food web models are developed to analyze how equilibria in real multi-trophic ecosystems are shaped by species interactions, and often include linear functional response terms for simple estimation of interaction strengths from observations. Models of regime shifts focus on qualitative changes of equilibrium points in a slowly changing environment, and typically include non-linear functional response terms. Currently, it is unclear how the stability of an empirical food web model, expressed as the rate of system recovery after a small perturbation, relates to the vulnerability of the ecosystem to collapse. Here, we conduct structural sensitivity analyses of classical consumer-resource models in equilibrium along an environmental gradient. Specifically, we change non-proportional interaction terms into proportional ones, while maintaining the equilibrium biomass densities and material flux rates, to analyze how alternative model formulations shape the stability properties of the equilibria. The results reveal no consistent relationship between the stability of the original models and the proportionalized versions, even though they describe the same biomass values and material flows. We use these findings to critically discuss whether stability analysis of observed equilibria by empirical food web models can provide insight into regime shift dynamics, and highlight the challenge of bridging alternative modelling approaches in ecology and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan J Kuiper
- Stockholm Resilience Centre, Stockholm University, Kräftriket 2B, SE 10691, Stockholm, Sweden.
- Department of Aquatic Ecology, Netherlands Institute of Ecology, P.O. Box 50, 6700 AB, Wageningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Bob W Kooi
- Faculty of Science, VU University, de Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Garry D Peterson
- Stockholm Resilience Centre, Stockholm University, Kräftriket 2B, SE 10691, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Wolf M Mooij
- Department of Aquatic Ecology, Netherlands Institute of Ecology, P.O. Box 50, 6700 AB, Wageningen, The Netherlands
- Aquatic Ecology and Water Quality Management Group, Department of Environmental Sciences, Wageningen University, P.O. Box 47, 6700 AA, Wageningen, The Netherlands
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10
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Mougi A. Predator interference and complexity-stability in food webs. Sci Rep 2022; 12:2464. [PMID: 35165383 PMCID: PMC8844033 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-06524-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
It is predicted that ecological communities will become unstable with increasing species numbers and subsequent interspecific interactions; however, this is contrary to how natural ecosystems with diverse species respond to changes in species numbers. This contradiction has steered ecologists toward exploring what underlying processes allow complex communities to stabilize even through varying pressures. In this study, a food web model is used to show an overlooked role of interference among multiple predator species in solving this complexity–stability problem. Predator interference in large communities weakens species interactions due to a reduction in consumption rates by prey-sharing species in the presence of predators in response to territorial and aggressive behavior, thereby playing a key stabilizing role in communities. Especially when interspecific interference is strong and a community has diverse species and dense species interactions, stabilization is likely to work and creates a positive complexity–stability relationship within a community. The clear positive effect of complexity on community stability is not reflected by/intraspecific interference, emphasizing the key role of interspecific interference among multiple predator species in maintaining larger systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akihiko Mougi
- Institute of Agricultural and Life Sciences, Academic Assembly, Shimane University, 1060 Nishikawatsu-cho, Matsue, 690-8504, Japan.
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11
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Ofosu‐Bamfo B, Addo‐Fordjour P, Belford EJ. Edge disturbance shapes liana diversity and abundance but not liana-tree interaction network patterns in moist semi-deciduous forests, Ghana. Ecol Evol 2022; 12:e8585. [PMID: 35371433 PMCID: PMC8859495 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.8585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2021] [Revised: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Edge disturbance can drive liana community changes and alter liana-tree interaction networks, with ramifications for forest functioning. Understanding edge effects on liana community structure and liana-tree interactions is therefore essential for forest management and conservation. We evaluated the response patterns of liana community structure and liana-tree interaction structure to forest edge in two moist semi-deciduous forests in Ghana (Asenanyo and Suhuma Forest Reserves: AFR and SFR, respectively). Liana community structure and liana-tree interactions were assessed in 24 50 × 50 m randomly located plots in three forest sites (edge, interior and deep-interior) established at 0-50 m, 200 m and 400 m from edge. Edge effects positively and negatively influenced liana diversity in forest edges of AFR and SFR, respectively. There was a positive influence of edge disturbance on liana abundance in both forests. We observed anti-nested structure in all the liana-tree networks in AFR, while no nestedness was observed in the networks in SFR. The networks in both forests were less connected, and thus more modular and specialised than their null models. Many liana and tree species were specialised, with specialisation tending to be symmetrical. The plant species played different roles in relation to modularity. Most of the species acted as peripherals (specialists), with only a few species having structural importance to the networks. The latter species group consisted of connectors (generalists) and hubs (highly connected generalists). Some of the species showed consistency in their roles across the sites, while the roles of other species changed. Generally, liana species co-occurred randomly on tree species in all the forest sites, except edge site in AFR where lianas showed positive co-occurrence. Our findings deepen our understanding of the response of liana communities and liana-tree interactions to forest edge disturbance, which are useful for managing forest edge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bismark Ofosu‐Bamfo
- Department of Basic and Applied BiologySchool of SciencesUniversity of Energy and Natural ResourcesSunyaniGhana
| | - Patrick Addo‐Fordjour
- Department of Theoretical and Applied BiologyFaculty of BiosciencesCollege of ScienceKwame Nkrumah University of Science and TechnologyKumasiGhana
| | - Ebenezer J.D. Belford
- Department of Theoretical and Applied BiologyFaculty of BiosciencesCollege of ScienceKwame Nkrumah University of Science and TechnologyKumasiGhana
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12
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Fuzessy L, Sobral G, Carreira D, Rother DC, Barbosa G, Landis M, Galetti M, Dallas T, Cardoso Cláudio V, Culot L, Jordano P. Functional roles of frugivores and plants shape hyper‐diverse mutualistic interactions under two antagonistic conservation scenarios. Biotropica 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/btp.13065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Lisieux Fuzessy
- São Paulo State University UNESP Rio Claro SP Brazil
- Estación Biológica de Doñana EBD‐CSIC Sevilla Spain
| | | | - Daiane Carreira
- University of São Paulo Escola Superior de Agricultura "Luiz de Queiroz" Esalq USP Piracicaba SP Brazil
| | - Débora Cristina Rother
- University of São Paulo USP São Paulo SP Brazil
- University of São Paulo Escola Superior de Agricultura "Luiz de Queiroz" Esalq USP Piracicaba SP Brazil
| | | | | | - Mauro Galetti
- São Paulo State University UNESP Rio Claro SP Brazil
- Department of Biology University of Miami Coral Gables Florida USA
| | - Tad Dallas
- Louisiana State University Baton Rouge Louisiana USA
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13
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Chesshire PR, McCabe LM, Cobb NS. Variation in Plant-Pollinator Network Structure along the Elevational Gradient of the San Francisco Peaks, Arizona. INSECTS 2021; 12:insects12121060. [PMID: 34940148 PMCID: PMC8704280 DOI: 10.3390/insects12121060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Revised: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The structural patterns comprising bimodal pollination networks can help characterize plant-pollinator systems and the interactions that influence species distribution and diversity over time and space. We compare network organization of three plant-pollinator communities along the altitudinal gradient of the San Francisco Peaks in northern Arizona. We found that pollination networks become more nested, as well as exhibit lower overall network specialization, with increasing elevation. Greater weight of generalist pollinators at higher elevations of the San Francisco Peaks may result in plant-pollinator communities less vulnerable to future species loss due to changing climate or shifts in species distribution. We uncover the critical, more generalized pollinator species likely responsible for higher nestedness and stability at the higher elevation environment. The generalist species most important for network stability may be of the greatest interest for conservation efforts; preservation of the most important links in plant-pollinator networks may help secure the more specialized pollinators and maintain species redundancy in the face of ecological change, such as changing climate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paige R. Chesshire
- Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ 86011, USA
- Biodiversity Outreach Network (BON), Mesa, AZ 86011, USA;
- Correspondence:
| | | | - Neil S. Cobb
- Biodiversity Outreach Network (BON), Mesa, AZ 86011, USA;
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14
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Addo‐Fordjour P, Afram IS. Clearcutting and selective logging have inconsistent effects on liana diversity and abundance but not on liana–tree interaction networks. Biotropica 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/btp.12888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Addo‐Fordjour
- Department of Theoretical and Applied Biology College of Science Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology Kumasi Ghana
| | - Isaac Sarfo Afram
- Department of Theoretical and Applied Biology College of Science Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology Kumasi Ghana
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15
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Green vs brown food web: Effects of habitat type on multidimensional stability proxies for a highly-resolved Antarctic food web. FOOD WEBS 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fooweb.2020.e00166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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16
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Perryman HA, Tarnecki JH, Grüss A, Babcock EA, Sagarese SR, Ainsworth CH, Gray DiLeone AM. A revised diet matrix to improve the parameterization of a West Florida Shelf Ecopath model for understanding harmful algal bloom impacts. Ecol Modell 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ecolmodel.2019.108890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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17
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Hui C, Richardson DM. How to Invade an Ecological Network. Trends Ecol Evol 2018; 34:121-131. [PMID: 30514581 DOI: 10.1016/j.tree.2018.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2018] [Revised: 11/05/2018] [Accepted: 11/07/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Invasion science is in a state of paradox, having low predictability despite strong, identifiable covariates of invasion performance. We propose shifting the foundation metaphor of biological invasions from a linear filtering scheme to one that invokes complex adaptive networks. We link invasion performance and invasibility directly to the loss of network stability and indirectly to network topology through constraints from the emergence of the stability criterion in complex systems. We propose the wind vane of an invaded network - the major axis of its adjacency matrix - which reveals how species respond dynamically to invasions. We suggest that invasion ecology should steer away from comparative macroecological studies, to rather explore the ecological network centred on the focal species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cang Hui
- Centre for Invasion Biology, Department of Mathematical Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Matieland 7602, South Africa; Mathematical and Physical Biosciences, African Institute for Mathematical Sciences, Cape Town 7945, South Africa.
| | - David M Richardson
- Centre for Invasion Biology, Department of Botany and Zoology, Stellenbosch University, Matieland 7602, South Africa
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18
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Rumeu B, Sheath DJ, Hawes JE, Ings TC. Zooming into plant-flower visitor networks: an individual trait-based approach. PeerJ 2018; 6:e5618. [PMID: 30245938 PMCID: PMC6147118 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.5618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2018] [Accepted: 08/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding how ecological communities are structured is a major goal in ecology. Ecological networks representing interaction patterns among species have become a powerful tool to capture the mechanisms underlying plant-animal assemblages. However, these networks largely do not account for inter-individual variability and thus may be limiting our development of a clear mechanistic understanding of community structure. In this study, we develop a new individual-trait based approach to examine the importance of individual plant and pollinator functional size traits (pollinator thorax width and plant nectar holder depth) in mutualistic networks. We performed hierarchical cluster analyses to group interacting individuals into classes, according to their similarity in functional size. We then compared the structure of bee-flower networks where nodes represented either species identity or trait sets. The individual trait-based network was almost twice as nested as its species-based equivalent and it had a more symmetric linkage pattern resulting from of a high degree of size-matching. In conclusion, we show that by constructing individual trait-based networks we can reveal important patterns otherwise difficult to observe in species-based networks and thus improve our understanding of community structure. We therefore recommend using both trait-based and species-based approaches together to develop a clearer understanding of the properties of ecological networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Rumeu
- Applied Ecology Research Group, Department of Biology, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, United Kingdom.,Terrestrial Ecology Group, Mediterranean Institute of Advanced Studies (CSIC-UIB), Mallorca, Balearic Islands, Spain
| | - Danny J Sheath
- Institute of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.,School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Joseph E Hawes
- Applied Ecology Research Group, Department of Biology, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas C Ings
- Applied Ecology Research Group, Department of Biology, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, United Kingdom.,School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
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19
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Landi P, Minoarivelo HO, Brännström Å, Hui C, Dieckmann U. Complexity and stability of ecological networks: a review of the theory. POPUL ECOL 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s10144-018-0628-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 182] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Pietro Landi
- Department of Mathematical SciencesStellenbosch UniversityStellenboschSouth Africa
- Evolution and Ecology ProgramInternational Institute for Applied Systems AnalysisLaxenburgAustria
| | - Henintsoa O. Minoarivelo
- Department of Mathematical SciencesStellenbosch UniversityStellenboschSouth Africa
- Centre of Excellence in Mathematical and Statistical SciencesWits UniversityJohannesburgSouth Africa
| | - Åke Brännström
- Evolution and Ecology ProgramInternational Institute for Applied Systems AnalysisLaxenburgAustria
- Department of Mathematics and Mathematical StatisticsUmeå UniversityUmeåSweden
| | - Cang Hui
- Department of Mathematical SciencesStellenbosch UniversityStellenboschSouth Africa
- Mathematical and Physical BiosciencesAfrican Institute for Mathematical SciencesMuizenbergSouth Africa
| | - Ulf Dieckmann
- Evolution and Ecology ProgramInternational Institute for Applied Systems AnalysisLaxenburgAustria
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20
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Yoon S, Goltsev AV, Mendes JFF. Structural stability of interaction networks against negative external fields. Phys Rev E 2018; 97:042311. [PMID: 29758737 DOI: 10.1103/physreve.97.042311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
We explore structural stability of weighted and unweighted networks of positively interacting agents against a negative external field. We study how the agents support the activity of each other to confront the negative field, which suppresses the activity of agents and can lead to collapse of the whole network. The competition between the interactions and the field shape the structure of stable states of the system. In unweighted networks (uniform interactions) the stable states have the structure of k-cores of the interaction network. The interplay between the topology and the distribution of weights (heterogeneous interactions) impacts strongly the structural stability against a negative field, especially in the case of fat-tailed distributions of weights. We show that apart from critical slowing down there is also a critical change in the system structure that precedes the network collapse. The change can serve as an early warning of the critical transition. To characterize changes of network structure we develop a method based on statistical analysis of the k-core organization and so-called "corona" clusters belonging to the k-cores.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Yoon
- Department of Physics & I3N, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - A V Goltsev
- Department of Physics & I3N, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
- A. F. Ioffe Physico-Technical Institute, 194021 St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - J F F Mendes
- Department of Physics & I3N, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
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21
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Robson BJ, Lester RE, Baldwin DS, Bond NR, Drouart R, Rolls RJ, Ryder DS, Thompson RM. Modelling food-web mediated effects of hydrological variability and environmental flows. WATER RESEARCH 2017; 124:108-128. [PMID: 28750285 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2017.07.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2017] [Revised: 07/14/2017] [Accepted: 07/15/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Environmental flows are designed to enhance aquatic ecosystems through a variety of mechanisms; however, to date most attention has been paid to the effects on habitat quality and life-history triggers, especially for fish and vegetation. The effects of environmental flows on food webs have so far received little attention, despite food-web thinking being fundamental to understanding of river ecosystems. Understanding environmental flows in a food-web context can help scientists and policy-makers better understand and manage outcomes of flow alteration and restoration. In this paper, we consider mechanisms by which flow variability can influence and alter food webs, and place these within a conceptual and numerical modelling framework. We also review the strengths and weaknesses of various approaches to modelling the effects of hydrological management on food webs. Although classic bioenergetic models such as Ecopath with Ecosim capture many of the key features required, other approaches, such as biogeochemical ecosystem modelling, end-to-end modelling, population dynamic models, individual-based models, graph theory models, and stock assessment models are also relevant. In many cases, a combination of approaches will be useful. We identify current challenges and new directions in modelling food-web responses to hydrological variability and environmental flow management. These include better integration of food-web and hydraulic models, taking physiologically-based approaches to food quality effects, and better representation of variations in space and time that may create ecosystem control points.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara J Robson
- CSIRO Land and Water, GPO Box 1700, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia.
| | - Rebecca E Lester
- Centre for Regional and Rural Futures, Deakin University, Locked Bag 20000, Geelong, Vic, 3220, Australia.
| | - Darren S Baldwin
- CSIRO Land and Water, GPO Box 1700, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia; The Murray-Darling Freshwater Research Centre, La Trobe University, PO Box 821, Wodonga, Vic, 3689, Australia; Charles Sturt University, Thurgoona, NSW, 2640, Australia
| | - Nicholas R Bond
- The Murray-Darling Freshwater Research Centre, La Trobe University, PO Box 821, Wodonga, Vic, 3689, Australia
| | - Romain Drouart
- CSIRO Land and Water, GPO Box 1700, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia; Ecole des Mines d'Alès, 6 Avenue de Clavières, 30319, Alès Cedex, France
| | - Robert J Rolls
- Institute for Applied Ecology, University of Canberra, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia
| | - Darren S Ryder
- School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, 2351, Australia
| | - Ross M Thompson
- Institute for Applied Ecology, University of Canberra, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia
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22
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Trophic isotopic carbon variation increases with pond's hydroperiod: Evidence from an Austral ephemeral ecosystem. Sci Rep 2017; 7:7572. [PMID: 28790380 PMCID: PMC5548932 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-08026-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2017] [Accepted: 07/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Trophic variation in food web structure occurs among and within ecosystems. The magnitude of variation, however, differs from system to system. In ephemeral pond ecosystems, temporal dynamics are relatively more important than in many systems given that hydroperiod is the ultimate factor determining the presence of an aquatic state. Here, using stable isotopes we tested for changes in trophic chain length and shape over time in these dynamic aquatic ecosystems. We found that lower and intermediate trophic level structure increased over time. We discuss these findings within the context of temporal environmental stability. The dynamic nature of these ephemeral systems seems to be conducive to greater levels of intermediate and lower trophic level diversity, with omnivorous traits likely being advantageous.
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23
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Neutel AM, Thorne MAS. Beyond connectedness: why pairwise metrics cannot capture community stability. Ecol Evol 2016; 6:7199-7206. [PMID: 28725392 PMCID: PMC5513267 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.2461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2016] [Revised: 07/29/2016] [Accepted: 08/04/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The connectedness of species in a trophic web has long been a key structural characteristic for both theoreticians and empiricists in their understanding of community stability. In the past decades, there has been a shift from focussing on determining the number of interactions to taking into account their relative strengths. The question is: How do the strengths of the interactions determine the stability of a community? Recently, a metric has been proposed which compares the stability of observed communities in terms of the strength of three‐ and two‐link feedback loops (cycles of interaction strengths). However, it has also been suggested that we do not need to go beyond the pairwise structure of interactions to capture stability. Here, we directly compare the performance of the feedback and pairwise metrics. Using observed food‐web structures, we show that the pairwise metric does not work as a comparator of stability and is many orders of magnitude away from the actual stability values. We argue that metrics based on pairwise‐strength information cannot capture the complex organization of strong and weak links in a community, which is essential for system stability.
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