Topology of additive pairwise effects in food webs

Contrasting reductionistic versus holistic views, it is a general question whether adding the parts equals sum. In time of multiple drivers anthropogenic change, crucial issue, and better understanding additivity critical for strategy management. More particular research questions ask what are community effects extinction single species local on different will generate additive responses. Here we perform food web simulations study response to perturbing each species, one by one, possible pairwise combination species. By comparing two, quantify analyze how does depend topological positions perturbed pairs. Results increase predictability research, supporting systems-based conservation management and, possibly, multi-species maximum sustainable yield assessment in fisheries.