From species to individuals: does the variation in ant–plant networks scale result in structural and functional changes?

• DOI: 10.1007/s10144-018-0634-5
• Publication Date: 2018-10-29T02:32:56Z
• Authors: Elmo B. A. Koch; Wesley Dáttilo; Flávio Camarota; Heraldo L. Vascon...
• Keywords: Myrmecophyte; Nestedness

Abstract Predicting the outcomes of any mutualistic interaction between ants and plants can be a very difficult task, since these are often determined by ecological context in which interacting species embedded. Network theory has been an important tool to improve our understanding about organizational patterns animal–plant interactions. Nevertheless, traditionally, network studies have focused mainly on species‐based differences ignoring importance individual within populations. In this study, we evaluated if downscaling ant–plant from level results structural functional changes involving different‐sized plant individuals. For this, studied extrafloral‐nectar producing‐tree Caryocar brasiliense (Caryocaraceae) their associated Neotropical savanna. We observed 254 interactions 43 individuals C. 47 ant species. The individual‐based exhibited nested pattern interactions, with all developmental stages contributing equally structuring non‐random pattern. also found that greater centrality were better protected partners. However, higher levels specialization not necessarily ants. Overall, presented empirical evidence intra‐population variations for shaping networks, they change protection against herbivores conferred These highlight analyses opening new research venues eco‐evolutionary dynamics