Experimental species removals impact the architecture of pollination networks.

ABSTRACT: Mutualistic networks are key for the creation and maintenance of biodiversity, yet are threatened by global environmental change. Most simulation models assume that network structure remains static after species losses, despite theoretical and empirical reasons to expect dynamic responses. We assessed the effects of experimental single bumblebee species removals on the structure of entire flower visitation networks. We hypothesized that network structure would change following processes linking interspecific competition with dietary niche breadth. We found that single pollinator species losses impact pollination network structure: resource complementarity decreased, while resource overlap increased. Despite marginally increased connectance, fewer plant species were visited after species re

SUBMITTER: Brosi BJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5493741 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature