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Abstract Detail

Annals of Botany Lecture - Anna Traveset

Mutualistic networks in the Galápagos Islands and how alien species modify their structure.

Islands harbor much of the world’s threatened biodiversity, most of which is endangered by habitat degradation, over-exploitation and the introduction of alien invasive species. Increasing evidence confirms that it is not the decline of species diversity per se that scientists, conservationists, and restoration managers should be most concerned about, but rather the extinction of the interactions between organisms that ultimatly breathe life into ecosystems. Consequently, research on species interactions patterns has increased dramatically in recent years, mostly thanks to the implementation of network theory which facilitates the representation and interpretation of such complex Interaction networks. In this talk, I will present our findings on the dynamic structure of mutualistic (pollination and seed dispersal) networks in the Galapagos archipelago, and the mechanisms underlying the observed patterns. I will deep into the mechanisms whereby alien species infiltrate the mutualistic networks, examining whether partner fidelity differs between alien and native species and the community-level implications of such differences. Finally, I will discuss the potential cascading effects of invasive alien plants and insects on the native species and interactions.

1 - Mediterranean Institute of Advanced Studies

Keywords:
ECOLOGICAL NETWORKS
pollination
Seed dispersal
ALIEN INVASIONS
GALAPAGOS ARCHIPELAGO.

Presentation Type: Special Presentation
Session: S3, Annals of Botany Special Lecture
Location: Oglethrope Auditorium/Savannah International Trade and Convention Center
Date: Monday, August 1st, 2016
Time: 11:00 AM
Number: S3001
Abstract ID:926
Candidate for Awards:None

Canceled