Space, time and aliens: charting the dynamic structure of Galapagos pollination networks.

ABSTRACT: Oceanic archipelagos are threatened by the introduction of alien species which can severely disrupt the structure, function and stability of native communities. Here we investigated the pollination interactions in the two most disturbed Galápagos Islands, comparing the three main habitats and the two seasons, and assessing the impacts of alien plant invasions on network structure. We found that the pollination network structure was rather consistent between the two islands, but differed across habitats and seasons. Overall, the arid zone had the largest networks and highest species generalization levels whereas either the transition between habitats or the humid habitat showed lower values. Our data suggest that alien plants integrate easily into the communities, but with low impact on ove

SUBMITTER: Traveset A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4522039 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature