Forbidden versus permitted interactions: Disentangling processes from patterns in ecological network analysis.

Giovanni Strona,Joseph A Veech

doi:10.1002/ece3.3102

Giovanni Strona, Joseph A Veech

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.3102

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Abstract

Several studies have identified the tendency for species to share interacting partners as a key property to the functioning and stability of ecological networks. However, assessing this pattern has proved challenging in several regards, such as finding proper metrics to assess node overlap (sharing), and using robust null modeling to disentangle significance from randomness. Here, we bring attention to an additional, largely neglected challenge in assessing species’ tendency to share interacting partners. In particular, we discuss and illustrate with two different case studies how identifying the set of “permitted” interactions for a given species (i.e. interactions that are not impeded, e.g. by lack of functional trait compatibility) is paramount to understand the ecological and co‐evolutionary processes at the basis of node overlap and segregation patterns.

Highlights

Mapping the links connecting resources to consumers in complex networks of species interactions has become a fundamental approach in community ecology
In an attempt to contribute to the discussion, Strona and Veech (2015) have developed a new measurecapable of identifying patterns varying from node overlap to the opposite tendency
Our results suggest that a more conscious attempt at taking into account permitted vs. forbidden interactions could be the key to a more complete understanding of patterns and processes in ecological networks

Summary

Introduction

Mapping the links connecting resources to consumers in complex networks of species interactions has become a fundamental approach in community ecology. In absence of any particular assumption about plausible interactions, one may specify the sets of potentially shareable partners for each node (and n for each pair of nodes), based solely on the number of available species in the network.

Results

Conclusion