The resource‐mediated modular structure of a non‐symbiotic ant–plant mutualism

• Published in: Ecological entomology Vol. 45; no. 1; pp. 121 - 129
• Main Authors: Ballarin, Caio S., Hachuy‐Filho, Leandro, Sanz‐Veiga, Priscila A., Amorim, Felipe W.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford, UK Blackwell Publishing Ltd 01.02.2020; Wiley Subscription Services, Inc
• Subjects: Animal behavior; Ant–plant interactions; Community structure; entomology; Epidendrum; Modular structures; modularity; Mutualism; Nectar; Niche overlap; Niches; niche‐based processes; Plant nectar; Recruitment; Reinforcement; resource availability; specialisation; Species; Structure-function relationships

1. Plant–animal mutualisms are key processes that influence community structure, dynamics, and function. They reflect several neutral and niche‐based mechanisms related to plant–animal interactions. 2. However, the strength with which these processes influence community structure depends on function...