Are nested networks more robust to disturbance? A test using epiphyte-tree, comensalistic networks.

ABSTRACT: Recent research on ecological networks suggests that mutualistic networks are more nested than antagonistic ones and, as a result, they are more robust against chains of extinctions caused by disturbances. We evaluate whether mutualistic networks are more nested than comensalistic and antagonistic networks, and whether highly nested, host-epiphyte comensalistic networks fit the prediction of high robustness against disturbance. A review of 59 networks including mutualistic, antagonistic and comensalistic relationships showed that comensalistic networks are significantly more nested than antagonistic and mutualistic networks, which did not differ between themselves. Epiphyte-host networks from old-growth forests differed from those from disturbed forest in several topological parameters bas

SUBMITTER: Piazzon M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3092765 | biostudies-literature | 2011 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature