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Updated: Feb 1, 2026
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Characterization Of Multi-layered Fish Scales Atractosteus spatula Using Nanoindentation, X-ray CT, FTIR, and SEM
Published on: July 10, 2014
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Modular structure in fish co-occurrence networks: A comparison across spatial scales and grouping methodologies
Daniel J McGarvey1, Joseph A Veech2
1Center for Environmental Studies, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, United States of America.
Plos One
|December 15, 2018
Summary
Network modules effectively identify positive interspecific relationships in fish communities. Smaller spatial scales are preferable for studying these ecological interactions using network analysis.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Network Analysis
- Biogeography
Background:
- Network modules are crucial for understanding ecological patterns, from biogeographical provinces to species interactions.
- Assessing spatial scaling effects on network modularity is essential for accurate ecological interpretation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate how spatial scale influences the modular structure of fish co-occurrence networks.
- To determine if network modules can reliably detect positive interspecific relationships (commensalism, mutualism) versus environmental filtering.
- To compare the efficacy of network modules versus multivariate cluster analysis in identifying ecologically meaningful subgroups.
Main Methods:
- Employed simulated annealing to detect network modules and spatial clustering tests (using species' range centroids) to assess spatial overlap.
- Utilized non-hierarchical, multivariate cluster analysis as an alternative grouping method and performed comparative spatial clustering.
- Assessed congruence between module and cluster assignments and validated findings using a known fish nest associate complex.
Main Results:
- Detected 2-4 network modules at each scale, with no consistent relationship between scale and module number.
- Significant spatial clustering was observed for both network modules and multivariate clusters, decreasing in prevalence at smaller scales.
- Congruence between modules and clusters was consistently below 90% and decreased with an increasing number of groups; the nest associate complex was fully preserved within modules but not clusters.
Conclusions:
- Network modules are effective tools for investigating positive interspecific interactions within ecological communities.
- Smaller spatial scales appear more suitable for detecting and analyzing these positive interactions using network modularity.
- Network modularity offers advantages over multivariate clustering for preserving ecologically cohesive groups, particularly those based on positive interactions.
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