December 11, 2007 | Jens M. Olesen*, Jordi Bascompte*, Yoko L. Dupont*, and Pedro Jordano*
Pollination networks exhibit ecological modularity, where species are organized into weakly connected subsets (modules) with strong internal connections. Analysis of 51 pollination networks, including nearly 10,000 species and 20,000 links, revealed that networks with more than 150 species were modular, while those with fewer than 50 species were not. Module number and size increased with species number. Each module contains species with convergent traits, potentially representing coevolutionary units. Species play different roles in modularity, with only 15% being structurally important—hubs, connectors, or both. These key species are critical for network stability and coevolution. Modularity is complementary to nestedness and may influence network complexity and stability. Modules may be key units of coevolution, with reciprocal selection leading to trait convergence. Modularity is important for biodiversity conservation, as the loss of key species can lead to network fragmentation and cascading extinctions. The study highlights the importance of modularity in understanding ecological networks and coevolution. The results suggest that modularity is a fundamental aspect of pollination networks, with implications for conservation and ecological research.Pollination networks exhibit ecological modularity, where species are organized into weakly connected subsets (modules) with strong internal connections. Analysis of 51 pollination networks, including nearly 10,000 species and 20,000 links, revealed that networks with more than 150 species were modular, while those with fewer than 50 species were not. Module number and size increased with species number. Each module contains species with convergent traits, potentially representing coevolutionary units. Species play different roles in modularity, with only 15% being structurally important—hubs, connectors, or both. These key species are critical for network stability and coevolution. Modularity is complementary to nestedness and may influence network complexity and stability. Modules may be key units of coevolution, with reciprocal selection leading to trait convergence. Modularity is important for biodiversity conservation, as the loss of key species can lead to network fragmentation and cascading extinctions. The study highlights the importance of modularity in understanding ecological networks and coevolution. The results suggest that modularity is a fundamental aspect of pollination networks, with implications for conservation and ecological research.