Detecting phylogenetic signal in mutualistic interaction networks using a Markov process model.

ABSTRACT: Ecological interaction networks, such as those describing the mutualistic interactions between plants and their pollinators or between plants and their frugivores, exhibit non-random structural properties that cannot be explained by simple models of network formation. One factor affecting the formation and eventual structure of such a network is its evolutionary history. We argue that this, in many cases, is closely linked to the evolutionary histories of the species involved in the interactions. Indeed, empirical studies of interaction networks along with the phylogenies of the interacting species have demonstrated significant associations between phylogeny and network structure. To date, however, no generative model explaining the way in which the evolution of individual species affects

SUBMITTER: Minoarivelo HO 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4185186 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature