From insect-plant interactions to ecological networks

Abstract Since its inception, biodiversity has largely been understood as species diversity and assessed such. Interactions among or functional groups are gradually becoming part of an expanded concept biodiversity. As a case study the development research program in biodiversity, we summarize our multi-decade studies on interactions Asteraceae flowerhead-feeding insects Brazil. Initially, host were treated independent replicates order to assess local turnover components their herbivore diversity. Research then into sampling entire interactive communities plants associated herbivores different localities regions, enabling new lines be pursued. Interaction could factored spatial among-host components, suggesting field interaction geography. Second, specialization, key component diversity, was reframed considering simultaneously relatedness availability plant hosts. Third, with influence complex network theory, community-wide probed for topological patterns. Having identified modular structure these plant-herbivore systems, later demonstrated that they fit compound hierarchical topology, which nested within large-scale modules. In brief survey funded by Fapesp, especially Biota-Fapesp program, highlight several internationally recognized notably plant-frugivore plant-pollinator interactions, together theoretical models. The interplay analytical approaches established essential monitoring, conserving restoring broader sense.