Morphological traits explain the individual position within resource-consumer networks of a Neotropical marsupial

Abstract Knowledge regarding the influence of individual traits on interaction patterns in nature can help understand topological role individuals within a network intrapopulation interactions. We tested hypotheses relationships between individuals’ positions networks (specialization and centrality) four populations mouse opossum Gracilinanus agilis their (i.e., body length, condition, tail length relative to sex, reproductive botfly parasitism) also seasonal effects Brazilian savanna. Individuals with lower better relatively shorter were more specialized (i.e, less connected network). during warm-wet season. The relationship position traits, however, was independent propose that specialization may arise not only as result preferred feeding strategies by capable those condition potentially prone defend access high-quality food resources) but because morphological constraints. Smaller/younger (consequently experience foraging) short-tailed (less skilled explore vertical strata vegetation) would feed subset available resources consequently become specialized. Moreover, are season high competition (population-dense period) higher ecological opportunities (resource-rich period). Therefore, our study reveals relevance shaping populations.