Interaction modifications lead to greater robustness than pairwise non-trophic effects in ecological networks

Abstract

O_LIConsiderable emphasis has been placed recently on the importance of incorporating non-trophic effects in to our understanding of ecological networks. Interaction modifications are well established as generating strong non-trophic impacts by modulating the strength of inter-specific interactions.\nC_LIO_LIFor simplicity and comparison with direct interactions within a network context, the consequences of interaction modifications have often been described as direct pairwise interactions. The consequences of this assumption have not been examined in non-equilibrium settings where unexpected consequences of interaction modifications are most likely.\nC_LIO_LITo test the distinct dynamic nature of these higher-order effects we directly compare, using dynamic simulations, the robustness to extinctions under perturbation of systems where interaction modifications are either explicitly modelled or represented by corresponding equivalent pairwise non-trophic interactions.\nC_LIO_LIFull, multi-species representations of interaction modifications resulted in a greater robustness to extinctions compared to equivalent pairwise effects. Explanations for this increased stability despite apparent greater dynamic complexity can be found in additional routes for dynamic feedbacks. Furthermore, interaction modifications changed the relative vulnerability of species to extinction from those trophically connected close to the perturbed species towards those receiving a large number of modifications.\nC_LIO_LIFuture empirical and theoretical research into non-trophic effects should distinguish interaction modifications from direct pairwise effects in order to maximise information about the system dynamics. Interaction modifications have the potential to shift expectations of species vulnerability based exclusively on trophic networks.\nC_LI