Plant-pollinator interactions over 120 years: loss of species, co-occurrence, and function

Science. 2013 Mar 29;339(6127):1611-5. doi: 10.1126/science.1232728. Epub 2013 Feb 28.

Abstract

Using historic data sets, we quantified the degree to which global change over 120 years disrupted plant-pollinator interactions in a temperate forest understory community in Illinois, USA. We found degradation of interaction network structure and function and extirpation of 50% of bee species. Network changes can be attributed to shifts in forb and bee phenologies resulting in temporal mismatches, nonrandom species extinctions, and loss of spatial co-occurrences between extant species in modified landscapes. Quantity and quality of pollination services have declined through time. The historic network showed flexibility in response to disturbance; however, our data suggest that networks will be less resilient to future changes.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Bees / physiology*
  • Extinction, Biological*
  • Flowers / growth & development
  • Illinois
  • Poaceae / growth & development*
  • Pollination*
  • Portulacaceae / growth & development
  • Trees / growth & development*