Invading a mutualistic network: to be or not to be similar.

ABSTRACT: Biological invasion remains a major threat to biodiversity in general and a disruptor to mutualistic interactions in particular. While a number of empirical studies have directly explored the role of invasion in mutualistic pollination networks, a clear picture is yet to emerge and a theoretical model for comprehension still lacking. Here, using an eco-evolutionary model of bipartite mutualistic networks with trait-mediated interactions, we explore invader trait, propagule pressure, and network features of recipient community that contribute importantly to the success and impact of an invasion. High level of invasiveness is observed when invader trait differs from those of the community average, and level of interaction generalization equals to that of the community average. Moreover, mult

SUBMITTER: Minoarivelo HO 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4979722 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature