| Abstract Detail
Ecology Vilella-Arnizaut, Isabela [1], Fenster, Charles [2]. Quantifying plant-pollinator interactions in the Prairie Coteau . Though still not well understood, it is generally accepted that community structure, specifically the distribution of trophic links, is related to ecosystem persistence and stability. To understand the mechanisms behind pollination and community stability, a reliable understanding of the interaction patterns (visitation) between plants and pollinators in disturbed landscapes is needed. The Northern Great Plains still retain tracts of remnant northern tall grass prairie habitat within a matrix of varying land-uses. We used a network-based approach to understand how prairie attributes and landscape heterogeneity influence plant-pollinator community structure. We quantified plant-pollinator interactions within native prairies of the Prairie Coteau region in eastern South Dakota using network parameters. We also quantified pollinator abundance, diversity and floral resources in order to assess the functional role of prairie attributes and the surrounding landscape on the plant-pollinator community. Additionally, we collected nectar to determine whether pollinator diversity and patterns of plant-pollinator interactions (i.e., network structure) were influenced by the spatio-temporal availability of nectar resources. By quantifying plant-pollinator interactions and resource availability, we constructed a network-based approach to understand the resilience of plant-pollinator communities within an agricultural landscape. Improved understanding of plant-pollinator networks can benefit management decisions that result in resilient plant-pollinator communities and conserve the stability of pollination services.
1 - 169 Robin Drive, Starkville, MS, 39759, United States
2 - South Dakota State University, Biology & Microbiology , 1390 College Ave, SNP 252 2140D, Brookings, SD, 57007, United States
Keywords:
pollinators
network analysis
Ecology
landscape heterogeneity
prairie
agricultural landscape
community
plant-pollinator interactions.
Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: ECO7, Ecology 7: Species Interactions
Location: Virtual/Virtual
Date: Friday, July 31st, 2020
Time: 1:00 PM
Number: ECO7003
Abstract ID:256
Candidate for Awards:Ecological Section Best Graduate Student Paper |
