Evaluating the structure of commensalistic epiphyte-phorophyte networks: a comparative perspective of biotic interactions.

ABSTRACT: Epiphytic vascular plants comprise an essential part of the tropical flora and are a key component for ecosystem functioning. Some recent studies have used a network approach to investigate the interaction of epiphytes with host phorophytes at the community level. However, knowledge on commensalistic epiphyte-phorophyte network structure still lags behind with regard to other biotic interaction networks. Our goal was to provide a more complete overall perspective on commensalistic epiphyte-phorophyte interaction and its placement with respect to other better studied mutualistic interactions. We hypothesized that the intensity of the fitness effect of the different types of biotic interactions would determine the degree of specialization of the interacting organisms. Thus, commensalistic ep

SUBMITTER: Naranjo C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6462211 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature