| Popis: |
Plant-pollinator mutualisms are one of several functional relationships that must be reinstated to ensure the long-term success of habitat restoration projects. However, these mutualisms are not likely to reinstate themselves until the very particular resource requirements of pollinators have been met. By giving special attention to these requirements, habitat restoration projects are more likely to be successful in the long-term. I used network analysis to determine how aspects of the restoration effort itself influence the reestablishment and organization of plant-pollinator communities at an experimentally restored site in Central Ohio. Specifically, I investigate the influence of landscapes factors, floral diversity and the role of non-native plants on the structure and stability of plant-pollinator networks. I found that the diversity and distribution of floral resources affect the organization and stability of plant pollinator networks. Plots with high floral diversity far from remnant habitat compensated for loses in pollinator diversity by attracting generalized pollinators, which increase network redundancy and robustness. I also found that non-native plants play a central role in the structure of networks. I conclude that aspects of the restoration effort itself can be successfully tailored to incorporate the restoration of pollinators. |
