The resource‐mediated modular structure of a non‐symbiotic ant–plant mutualism

• DOI: 10.1111/een.12780
• Publication Date: 2019-07-10T04:49:27Z
• Authors: Caio S. Ballarin; Leandro Hachuy‐Filho; Priscila A. Sanz‐...; Felipe W. Amorim
• Keywords: Mutualism; Myrmecophyte

1. Plant–animal mutualisms are key processes that influence community structure, dynamics, and function. They reflect several neutral niche‐based mechanisms related to plant–animal interactions. 2. However, the strength with which these structure depends on functional traits interactions between mutualistic partners. In involving plants ants, nectar is most common reward, such as quantity quality can affect ant species' responses by influencing their recruitment rates aggressiveness. 3. this study, mediate ant–plant defensive were manipulated test whether resource of interaction networks. A downscaling approach was used investigate network species individual extrafloral nectary‐bearing terrestrial orchid Epidendrum secundum . 4. We found a short‐term reorganization assemblage caused networks become more specialised modular in response rewarding gradient. Furthermore, tended narrow foraging range limiting associations one or few plants. 5. This study shows variable play an important role network. suggest enhanced aggressiveness massive some species, leading lower niche overlap thus less connected