The geographical variation of network structure is scale dependent: understanding the biotic specialization of host-parasitoid networks.

ABSTRACT: Research on the structure of ecological networks suggests that a number of universal patterns exist. Historically, biotic specialization has been thought to increase towards the Equator. Yet, recent studies have challenged this view showing non-conclusive results. Most studies analysing the geographical variation in biotic specialization focus, however, only on the local scale. Little is known about how the geographical variation of network structure depends on the spatial scale of observation (i.e., from local to regional spatial scales). This should be remedied, as network structure changes as the spatial scale of observation changes, and the magnitude and shape of these changes can elucidate the mechanisms behind the geographical variation in biotic specialization. Here we analyse four

SUBMITTER: Galiana N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6923145 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature