Ecological Networks over the Edge: Hypergraph Trait-Mediated Indirect Interaction (TMII) Structure. (May 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Golubski, Antonio J.; Westlund, Erik E.; Vandermeer, John; Pascual, Mercedes
• Is Part Of: Trends in ecology & evolution. Volume 31:Number 5(2016)
• Page Start: 344
• Page End: 354
• Publication Date: 2016-05
• Subjects: hypergraph -- interaction modification -- trait-mediated indirect interaction -- nontrophic interaction -- food web -- ecological network; Ecology -- Periodicals; Evolution (Biology) -- Periodicals; 576.8
• DOI: 10.1016/j.tree.2016.02.006
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0169-5347

Abstract

Abstract : Analyses of ecological network structure have yielded important insights into the functioning of complex ecological systems. However, such analyses almost universally omit non-pairwise interactions, many classes of which are crucial for system structure, function, and resilience. Hypergraphs are mathematical constructs capable of considering such interactions: we discuss their utility for studying ecological networks containing diverse interaction types, and associated challenges and strategies. We demonstrate the approach using a real-world coffee agroecosystem in which resistance to agricultural pests depends upon a large number of TMIIs. A hypergraph representation successfully reflects both the importance of species imposing such effects and the context-dependency of that importance in terms of how it is affected by removal of other species from the system. Trends: Hypergraphs allow quantitative analysis of TMII structure in ecological networks. Hypergraph metrics of species importance reflect influence via nontrophic effects. Hypergraph topology captures context-dependency of TMIIs. Hypergraphs offer new avenues for understanding the roles of TMIIs in large communities.