Hybrid structural arrangements mediate stability and feasibility in mutualistic networks

• DOI: 10.48550/arxiv.2105.09191
• Publication Date: 2021-01-01
• Authors: Aniello Lampo; María J. Palazzi; Javier Borge‐Holt...; Albert Solé-Ribalta
• Keywords: Nestedness; Modularity; Disjoint sets; Ecological network

Perhaps the largest debate in network Ecology, emergence of structural patterns stands out as a multifaceted problem. To methodological challenges -- pattern identification, statistical significance one has to add relationship between candidate architectures and dynamical performance. In case mutualistic communities, revolves mostly around two arrangements (nestedness modularity) requirements for persistence, namely feasibility stability. So far, it is clear that former strongly related nestedness, while latter enhanced modular systems. Adding this, recently become nestedness modularity are antagonistic or, at very least, their coexistence single system problematic. this context, work addresses role interaction architecture maintenance both properties, introducing idea hybrid architectural configurations. Specifically, we examine in-block compound by disjoint subsets species (modules) with internal nested organization, prove grants balanced trade-off stability feasibility. Remarkably, analyze large amount empirical communities find relevant fraction them exhibits marked structure. We elaborate on implications these results, arguing they provide new insights about key properties ruling community assembly.