Ranking of critical species to preserve the functionality of mutualistic networks using the k-core decomposition.

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND:Network analysis has become a relevant approach to analyze cascading species extinctions resulting from perturbations on mutualistic interactions as a result of environmental change. In this context, it is essential to be able to point out key species, whose stability would prevent cascading extinctions, and the consequent loss of ecosystem function. In this study, we aim to explain how the k-core decomposition sheds light on the understanding the robustness of bipartite mutualistic networks. METHODS:We defined three k-magnitudes based on the k-core decomposition: k-radius, k-degree, and k-risk. The first one, k-radius, quantifies the distance from a node to the innermost shell of the partner guild, while k-degree provides a measure of centrality in the k-shell based decompositi

SUBMITTER: Garcia-Algarra J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5438587 | biostudies-literature | 2017

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature