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Changes in plant frugivore networks across a gradient…. Why networks?. Tropical forests almost 90% tree species produce fleshy fruits High nutritive content of fruits an important resource for frugivores Energy flow (via fruit pulp) from plants to consumers Diversity versus interactions.
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Why networks? • Tropical forests almost 90% tree species produce fleshy fruits • High nutritive content of fruits an important resource for frugivores • Energy flow (via fruit pulp) from plants to consumers • Diversity versus interactions
Qualitative network… Presence/ absence data
Quantitative network… Removal or foraging data
Background to research question… Gradients • Anthropogenic • Rainfall • Habitat • Elevation
Background Bird species Plant species
Background… Simple Complex Simple
Research question… • How do networks change across an elevational gradient? • What happens to patterns of interactions at mid elevations? • What are the important species?
Methodology • Plots across altitudes with equal sampling to characterize diet • Complementary methods such as focal tree watches • Secondary information - middens - roosts - literature
Low elevation High elevation How do networks change across an elevational gradient?Low and high elevation distinct species
What happens to patterns of interactions at mid elevations? Mid elevation overlap of birds maintained
Low elevation High elevation Low and high elevation distinct species
c: across module connectivity (Species-specific measure): how well is ‘A’ connected to other modules given all possible combinations?
z: within module connectivity (Species-specific measure): e.g. how well is ‘4’ connected to species in its own module given all possible interactions?
Important plants for animals… Across module
Important plants for animals… Across module
Important plants for animals… Across module
Important plants for animals… Across module
Important plants for animals… Across module
Important plants for animals… Across module
Important plants for animals… Across module
Important plants for animals… Across module
Important plants for animals… Across module