Merging evolutionary history into species interaction networks

Abstract

1. The occurrence of complex networks of interactions among species not only relies on speciesco-occurrence, but also on inherited traits and evolutionary events imprinted in species phylogenies.The phylogenetic signal found in ecological networks suggests that evolution plays animportant role in determining community assembly and hence could inform about the underpinningmechanisms.2. The aim of this study was to review the main findings and methodological approaches usedfor detecting phylogenetic signal in species interaction networks, particularly in differentaspects of network structure: conservatism of interactions, modularity, connectivity and nestedness.3. In general, studies show that species phylogenies determine interacting partners, modulecomposition, species roles and nested patterns, although these influences are not always consistentacross different interaction types. The relative importance of phylogeny to network structure,as well as the scale dependence of phylogenetic signal, denotes key areas for futureresearch.4. Phylogenetically informed network ecology represents a promising field for understandingspecies interaction patterns, community assembly processes and dynamics. It can also provideimportant information for predicting community changes and improving managementpractices.