The study of networks in ecology is rapidly expanding. Although network thinking is by no means new to ecologists, cross-fertilization from other fields, ranging from computer science to sociology, has recently furthered the field significantly. Here we examine some of the applications of network science to ecology with an emphasis on its potential to contribute to the preservation of biodiversity, an issue that has relevant social and policy implication. Two different forms in which ecological networks may appear are used: food webs and signed digraphs of dynamical systems. In the former, networks represent energy flow transfers form producers to consumers, while in the latter what is depicted is the effect that populations exert on each other. The main objective is to enlighten how applying network science can contribute to some central questions concerning biodiversity such as the identification of keystone species, the response of population to environmental perturbations, the robustness or inertia of the system to external events in the form of loss of species and links and press perturbations that alter populations dynamics.
Network science in ecology: the structure of ecological communities and the biodiversity question / Bodini, Antonio; Allesina, S.; Bondavalli, C.. - STAMPA. - (2012), pp. 220-236.
Network science in ecology: the structure of ecological communities and the biodiversity question
BODINI, Antonio;
2012-01-01
Abstract
The study of networks in ecology is rapidly expanding. Although network thinking is by no means new to ecologists, cross-fertilization from other fields, ranging from computer science to sociology, has recently furthered the field significantly. Here we examine some of the applications of network science to ecology with an emphasis on its potential to contribute to the preservation of biodiversity, an issue that has relevant social and policy implication. Two different forms in which ecological networks may appear are used: food webs and signed digraphs of dynamical systems. In the former, networks represent energy flow transfers form producers to consumers, while in the latter what is depicted is the effect that populations exert on each other. The main objective is to enlighten how applying network science can contribute to some central questions concerning biodiversity such as the identification of keystone species, the response of population to environmental perturbations, the robustness or inertia of the system to external events in the form of loss of species and links and press perturbations that alter populations dynamics.File | Dimensione | Formato | |
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