Mutualistic Interactions and Biological Invasions

• Published in: Annual review of ecology, evolution, and systematics Vol. 45; no. 1; pp. 89 - 113
• Main Authors: Traveset, Anna, Richardson, David M
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Palo Alto Annual Reviews 23.11.2014; Annual Reviews, Inc
• Subjects: Animal behavior; Bacteria; belowground mutualisms; Biodiversity; Biological invasions; Dispersal; Ecological function; Ecological invasion; Ecosystem studies; Ecosystems; Indigenous species; Introduced plants; Introduced species; invasion facilitation; invasion impacts; invasional meltdown; Invasions; Invasive species; Mutualism; mutualistic networks; Nonnative species; Plant ecology; Plants; Pollinating insects; Pollination; Population biology; Population decline; Seed dispersal
• ISSN: 1543-592X; 1545-2069
• DOI: 10.1146/annurev-ecolsys-120213-091857

Mutualisms structure ecosystems and mediate their functioning. They also enhance invasions of many alien species. Invasions disrupt native mutualisms, often leading to population declines, reduced biodiversity, and altered ecosystem functioning. Focusing on three main types of mutualisms (pollination, seed dispersal, and plant-microbial symbioses) and drawing on examples from different ecosystems and from species- and community-level studies, we review the key mechanisms whereby such positive interactions mediate invasions and are in turn influenced by invasions. High interaction generalization is "the norm" in most systems, allowing alien species to infiltrate recipient communities. We identify traits that influence invasiveness (e.g., selfing capacity in plants, animal behavioral traits) or invasibility (e.g., partner choice in mycorrhizas/rhizobia) through mutualistic interactions. Mutualistic disruptions due to invasions are pervasive, and subsequent cascading effects are also widespread. Ecological networks provide a useful framework for predicting tipping points for community collapse in response to invasions and other synergistic drivers of global change.