RT Journal Article
T1 Network-based analysis reveals differences in plant assembly between the native and the invaded ranges
A1 Rio-Hortega, Laura
A1 Martín-Forés, Irene
A1 Castro, Isabel
A1 de Miguel, José María
A1 Acosta Gallo, Belén
AB Associated with the introduction of alien species in a new area, interactions with other native species within the recipient community occur, reshaping the original community and resulting in a unique assemblage. Yet, the differences in community assemblage between native and invaded ranges remain unclear. Mediterranean grasslands provide an excellent scenario to study community assembly following transcontinental naturalisation of plant species. Here, we compared the community resemblance of plant communities in Mediterranean grasslands from both the native (Spain) and invaded (Chile) ranges. We used a novel approach, based on network analysis applied to co-occurrence analysis in plant communities, allowing us to study the co-existence of native and alien species in central Chile. This useful methodology is presented as a step forward in invasion ecology studies and conservation strategies. We found that community structure differed between the native and the invaded range, with alien species displaying a higher number of connections and, therefore, acting as keystones to sustain the structure within the invaded community. Alien species acting like keystones within the Chilean grassland communities might exacerbate the threat posed by biological invasions for the native biodiversity assets. Controlling the spread of the alien species identified here as keystones should help managing potential invasion in surrounding areas. Network analyses is a free, easy-to-implement and straightforward visual tool that can be widely used to reveal shifts in native communities and elucidate the role of multiple invaders into communities.
YR 2022
FD 2022
LK https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14352/98234
UL https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14352/98234
LA eng
NO Del Rio-Hortega L, Martín-Forés I, Castro I, De Miguel JM, Acosta-Gallo B (2022) Network-based analysis reveals differences in plant assembly between the native and the invaded ranges. NeoBiota 72: 157-181. https://doi.org/10.3897/neobiota.72.72066
DS Docta Complutense
RD 6 abr 2025