Ecological networks across environmental gradients

Tylianakis, Jason M. and Morris, Rebecca J. (2017) Ecological networks across environmental gradients. Annual Review of Ecology Evolution and Systematics, 48, 25-48. (doi:10.1146/annurev-ecolsys-110316-022821).

Record type: Review

Abstract

Ecological networks have a long history in ecology, and a recent increase in network analyses across environmental gradients has revealed important changes in their structure, dynamics, and functioning. These changes can be broadly grouped according to three non-exclusive mechanisms: i) changes in the species composition of the networks, driven by interaction patterns of invaders, non-random extinction of species according to their traits, or differences among species in population responses across gradients; ii) changes that alter interaction frequencies via changes in search efficiency (driven by altered habitat structure or metabolic rates), or spatial and temporal overlap; and iii) changes to co-evolutionary processes and patterns. Taking spatial and temporal processes into account can further elucidate network variation and improve predictions of network response to environmental change. Emerging evidence links network structure to ecosystem functioning; however, scaling up to metanetworks or multilayer networks may modify interpretations of network structure, stability, and functioning.

Text

Tylianakis & Morris Ecological Networks across environmental gradients Ann Rev Ecol Evol Syst._AUTHOR ACCEPTED VERSION - Accepted Manuscript

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