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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Analysis of a hyper-diverse seed dispersal network: modularity and underlying mechanisms

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Author(s):
Donatti, Camila I. [1] ; Guimaraes, Paulo R. [2] ; Galetti, Mauro [3] ; Pizo, Marco Aurellio [4] ; Marquitti, Flavia M. D. [2, 5] ; Dirzo, Rodolfo [1]
Total Authors: 6
Affiliation:
[1] Stanford Univ, Dept Biol, Stanford, CA 94305 - USA
[2] Univ Sao Paulo, Dept Ecol, BR-05508900 Sao Paulo - Brazil
[3] Univ Estadual Paulista, Dept Ecol, Rio Claro, SP - Brazil
[4] Univ Estadual Paulista, Dept Zool, Rio Claro, SP - Brazil
[5] Univ Estadual Campinas, Dept Ecol, BR-13083970 Campinas, SP - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 5
Document type: Journal article
Source: ECOLOGY LETTERS; v. 14, n. 8, p. 773-781, AUG 2011.
Web of Science Citations: 111
Abstract

Mutualistic interactions involving pollination and ant-plant mutualistic networks typically feature tightly linked species grouped in modules. However, such modularity is infrequent in seed dispersal networks, presumably because research on those networks predominantly includes a single taxonomic animal group (e.g. birds). Herein, for the first time, we examine the pattern of interaction in a network that includes multiple taxonomic groups of seed dispersers, and the mechanisms underlying modularity. We found that the network was nested and modular, with five distinguishable modules. Our examination of the mechanisms underlying such modularity showed that plant and animal trait values were associated with specific modules but phylogenetic effect was limited. Thus, the pattern of interaction in this network is only partially explained by shared evolutionary history. We conclude that the observed modularity emerged by a combination of phylogenetic history and trait convergence of phylogenetically unrelated species, shaped by interactions with particular types of dispersal agents. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 08/10154-7 - Plant attributes in the Pantanal seed dispersal network: consequences on spatial and demographic patterns
Grantee:Mauro Galetti Rodrigues
Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants