Network Ecology

Ecological systems (populations and communities) interact with each other. These entities can be viewed as networks and ecosystems as ‘networks of networks’. Ecological networks share common properties with other networks; e.g., Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs). WSNs consist of receivers and transmitters of information at locations called nodes. These nodes transmit and receive information with each other in ‘packets’. In the context of ecology, these packets contain material and energy; e.g., the bird from the bird sanctuary (20 kms away from my residence) being caught by the cat for food. Elements of network theory which are essential for applications to ecological networks are introduced. Decisions of animal movements and observed patterns of movement can be better explored in this framework. Although these networks have complex architecture, their hierarchical nature admits well-defined patterns that illuminate mechanisms of functioning of ecosystems. Applications of network theory would advance the understanding of complex interactions between species; ‘tangled banks’ of nature.

Ecological networks are simulated. These simulation experiments illuminate observed patterns of movement. A network of social interactions and a network of movement patterns are explored to know how movement decisions are taken.

Keywords: Biodiversity, Energy, Layering, Food chains, Food webs, HostParasite interactions, Interaction Types, Link distribution, Loss of resilience, Levels of organization, Material, Monolayer network, Multilayer, Multilevel, Networks, Resilient, Resilience, Strong trophic interactions, Temporal food – webs, Weak – trophic interactions.