Ecological correlates of species’ roles in highly invaded seed dispersal networks
Abstract
Species invasions and introductions are reshaping ecosystems around the world. In such novel ecological scenarios, it remains unclear whether crucial ecosystem functions played by lost native species may be partially or fully replaced by introduced species. We show that introduced plants and seed dispersers may take over interaction networks, playing key roles and governing network structure, with potential implications for its dynamics. The roles species play in novel networks are, however, defined by similar mechanisms that shape native-dominated communities. This indicates that the impacts of introduced species on invaded ecosystems can be anticipated based on ecological characteristics. Our results provide valuable recommendations for ecosystem management and restoration of increasingly degraded biological communities worldwide.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Pub Defense Publication
- Publication Date
- Jan 11, 2021
- Source ID
- 10.1073/pnas.2009532118
Entities
People
- Amy M. Hruska
- Corey E Tarwater
- Donald R Drake
- J. Patrick Kelley
- Jason M Gleditsch
- Jeferson Vizentin-Bugoni
- Jeffrey T. Foster
- Jinelle H. Sperry
- Rebecca C. Wilcox
- Samuel B Case
Organizations
- United States Army Corps of Engineers
- United States Department of Defense
- University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa
- University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign
- University of New Hampshire
- University of Wyoming