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Dryad

Data from: Predicting novel trophic interactions in a non-native world

Cite this dataset

Pearse, Ian S.; Altermatt, Florian (2013). Data from: Predicting novel trophic interactions in a non-native world [Dataset]. Dryad. https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.1tm84

Abstract

Humans are altering the global distributional ranges of plants, while their co-evolved herbivores are frequently left behind. Native herbivores often colonise non-native plants, potentially reducing invasion success or causing economic loss to introduced agricultural crops. We developed a predictive model to forecast novel interactions and verified it with a data set containing hundreds of observed novel plant–insect interactions. Using a food network of 900 native European butterfly and moth species and 1944 native plants, we built an herbivore host-use model. By extrapolating host use from the native herbivore–plant food network, we accurately forecasted the observed novel use of 459 non-native plant species by native herbivores. Patterns that governed herbivore host breadth on co-evolved native plants were equally important in determining non-native hosts. Our results make the forecasting of novel herbivore communities feasible in order to better understand the fate and impact of introduced plants.

Usage notes

Location

Germany