Structuring Interaction Networks Between Epiphytic Bryophytes and Their Hosts in Yunnan, SW China

Ecological networks are commonly applied to depict general patterns of biotic interactions, which provide tools understand the mechanism community assembly. Commensal interactions between epiphytes and their hosts a major component species in forest canopies; however, few studies have investigated assemblage network structures epiphyte–host particularly non-vascular different types forest. To analyze characteristics hosts, composition distribution epiphytic bryophytes were from 138 host individuals using canopy cranes tropical lowland seasonal rain (TRF) subtropical montane moist evergreen broad-leaved (STF), Southwest China. We structured binary these two forests, presented 329 TRF 545 STF. Compared TRF, bryophyte–host plant more nested but less modular However, both forests generally exhibited significantly structure with low levels specialization modularity. The relatively high nestedness may stabilize ecological hosts. Nevertheless, modularity could be attributed lack co-evolutionary processes, degree suggests that likely colonize specific species. Vertical bryophyte showed modules tree basal crown zones, probably attributing adaptation microclimates within individual. This study highlights commensal interaction trees, provides scientific basis identify key for conservation management biodiversity ecosystems.