Exploring co-evolutionary processes in ant-plant mutualism networks: Evidence from a phylogenetic analysis

Abstract

The use of phylogenetic data in studying mutualistic interactions offers insights into the underlying patterns of interaction networks. Coevolution between interacting groups is expected to result in congruent phylogenetic patterns. Phylogenetic signal analysis, which assesses the similarity of network properties among closely related species in the phylogeny, can help uncover these patterns. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the evolutionary pattern in the ant-plant interaction network at Flor del Bosque State Park, Puebla. We used phylogenies for both ant and plant species involved in the interactions for conducting phylogenetic signal analyses. The analyses suggest that the phylogenetic signal in the ant-plant interaction network is low and not significant. However, despite having a low phylogenetic signal value, the morphological trait of head length exhibited statistical significance. Such low phylogenetic signal might be attributed to the recent establishment of the ecological interactions between plants and ants, as well as the generalist and opportunistic nature of the ant species. Furthermore, other factors such as anthropogenic transformation, ecological traits and abiotic elements are likely influencing the ant-plant interactions in Flor del Bosque.