Low modularity and specialization in a commensalistic epiphyte–phorophyte network in a tropical cloud forest
2019
Species interactions can shape the structure of natural communities. Such sets of interactions have been described as complex
ecological networks, an example of which is the commensal network formed by
epiphyte–phorophyte interactions. Vascular
epiphytesgerminate and grow on phorophytes (support trees), assuming a horizontal distribution (among the phorophyte species) and a vertical distribution (from the base of the tree trunk to the crown of phorophytes, i.e., through ecological zones). Here, we investigated the organization of these structural dimensions of the
epiphyte–phorophyte network in a Brazilian tropical montane
cloud forest. The analyzed network, comprising 66
epiphytespecies and 22 phorophyte species, exhibited a nested structure with a low degree of specialization, a typical pattern for
epiphyte–phorophyte networks in forests. The network was slightly modular, with 65% of the species common to three modules, and had vertical structure corresponding to the vertical organization of the phorophytes. The size (
diameterat
breast height) of phorophyte individuals influenced the network structure, possibly due to the increase in habitat area, the time available for colonization by
epiphytes, and a greater number of microenvironments. We found that the distribution of the
epiphytespecies differed between the phorophyte ecological zones, with greater richness in the lower portions and greater abundance in the upper portions of the phorophytes. The results provide relevant guidance for future research on the characteristics and the vertical and horizontal organization of vascular
epiphyteand phorophyte networks. Abstract in Portuguese is available with online material.
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