Structure of trophic and mutualistic networks across broad environmental gradients.

ABSTRACT: This study aims to understand how inherent ecological network structures of nestedness and modularity vary over large geographic scales with implications for community stability. Bipartite networks from previous research from 68 locations globally were analyzed. Using a meta-analysis approach, we examine relationships between the structure of 22 trophic and 46 mutualistic bipartite networks in response to extensive gradients of temperature and precipitation. Network structures varied significantly across temperature gradients. Trophic networks showed decreasing modularity with increasing variation in temperature within years. Nestedness of mutualistic networks decreased with increasing temperature variability between years. Mean annual precipitation and variability of precipitation were no

SUBMITTER: Welti EA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4314265 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature