Modeling the Role of Timing in Shaping Interactions in Ecological Networks

Abstract

Understanding species interactions in ecological networks is crucial for studying ecosystem dynamics and stability. However, these interactions are often temporally constrained by species phenology (seasonal life cycle events), which is frequently overlooked in ecological models. Estimating interaction strengths from ecological data remains a significant challenge. This research develops a framework to incorporate the temporal constraints of phenology into ecological network models, resulting in a more accurate representation of species interactions. Additionally, it introduces an inverse problem approach to estimate interaction strengths directly from ecological data. By integrating phenology into existing ecological models, this framework enables the study of how changes in species phenology, driven by shifts in climate, affect ecological interactions and network dynamics. The approach is applied to plant-pollinator networks, providing new insights into how phenology shapes interaction patterns and influences ecosystem behavior.