The propagation of disturbances in ecological networks.
Trends Ecol Evol
; 39(6): 558-570, 2024 Jun.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-38402007
ABSTRACT
Despite the development of network science, we lack clear heuristics for how far different disturbance types propagate within and across species interaction networks. We discuss the mechanisms of disturbance propagation in ecological networks, and propose that disturbances can be categorized into structural, functional, and transmission types according to their spread and effect on network structure and functioning. We describe the properties of species and their interaction networks and metanetworks that determine the indirect, spatial, and temporal extent of propagation. We argue that the sampling scale of ecological studies may have impeded predictions regarding the rate and extent that a disturbance spreads, and discuss directions to help ecologists to move towards a predictive understanding of the propagation of impacts across interacting communities and ecosystems.
Key words
Full text:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Ecosystem
Limits:
Animals
Language:
En
Journal:
Trends Ecol Evol
Year:
2024
Document type:
Article