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Hierarchically embedded interaction networks represent a missing link in the study of behavioral and community ecology.

Published version
Peer-reviewed

Type

Article

Change log

Abstract

Because genes and phenotypes are embedded within individuals, and individuals within populations, interactions within one level of biological organization are inherently linked to interactors at others. Here, we expand the network paradigm to consider that nodes can be embedded within other nodes, and connections (edges) between nodes at one level of organization form "bridges" for connections between nodes embedded within them. Such hierarchically embedded networks highlight two central properties of biological systems: 1) processes occurring across multiple levels of organization shape connections among biological units at any given level of organization and 2) ecological effects occurring at a given level of organization can propagate up or down to additional levels. Explicitly considering the embedded structure of evolutionary and ecological networks can capture otherwise hidden feedbacks and generate new insights into key biological phenomena, ultimately promoting a broader understanding of interactions in evolutionary theory.

Description

Keywords

biological interactions, eco-evolutionary processes, gene–phenotype interactions, multilayer networks, nested networks

Journal Title

Behav Ecol

Conference Name

Journal ISSN

1045-2249
1465-7279

Volume Title

31

Publisher

Oxford University Press (OUP)