Synthesis and perspectives on the study of ant‐plant interaction networks: A global overview

Abstract

1. In recent decades, the interest in complexity of ant-plant relationships has increased considerably. However, because the spatial and biological information generated on ant-plant interaction networks is dispersed in the literature it is necessary to synthesise current information, detect knowledge gaps, and outline needs for research leading to the development of a broad and systematic view on the subject.2. Here, we present a global synthesis of the scientific articles dealing with ant-plant interaction networks, through a quantitative scientometric analysis to establish the state of the art in this topic and to propose future perspectives.3. We gather 54 articles published between 2006 and 2020 in 32 different scientific journals, which were written by 132 different authors. The studies were conducted in 15 countries and 9 biomes (most of them (61%) were in tropical lowlands), but Brazil and Mexico represented 87% of the global scientific production. Although most studies are related to ant-plant interactions involving extrafloral nectaries (72%) usually in diurnal samplings, we also found other types of ant-plant relationships such as floral nectar, extrafloral nectar, sap, myrmecophyte, seed/fruit, foraging substrate, and nesting sites. Furthermore, most studies used a bipartite framework of ant-plant interaction mediated by only one type of resource, and researchers often reported a nested pattern of species interactions.4. Finally, we identify some regions, biotic interactions involving different types of resources, spatio-temporal scales, and research questions that need further research for a better understanding of the complexity ant-plant networks.

Ant protection effectiveness in myrmecophytes and extrafloral nectary plants

“…Most studies evaluating ant aggressiveness were carried out in the New World. This could be seen as a limitation of results, but in fact, most studies of plant–ant interactions as a whole (irrespective of the objective of the research) come from tropical areas, which seem to be a hotspot for these interactions (Juárez‐Juárez et al., 2023). A rapid literature search reveals that Azteca , Pseudomyrmex , Crematogaster , and Camponotus are heavily studied in tropical areas, especially in the neotropics (Dejean et al., 2009; Frederickson, 2005; Janzen, 1969).…”

Tendências e lacunas no estudo do efeito do fogo nas interações planta‐animal em ecossistemas brasileiros

“…Alternativamente, o interesse de certos grupos científicos em estudar os efeitos do fogo nas relações formiga‐planta e planta‐polinizador também pode ajudar a explicar por que o estudo dos efeitos do fogo nas interações planta‐animal é tendencioso em relação a esses tipos de interação. De fato, devido à grande importância dessas relações planta‐animal para o funcionamento do ecossistema nos trópicos, os pesquisadores que estudam formigas ou polinizadores criaram recentemente redes de pesquisa colaborativa para melhorar a integração entre os cientistas e aumentar a investigação colaborativa sobre esses organismos (consulte Juárez‐Juárez et al, 2023; Salim et al, 2022; Schmidt et al, 2022). Além disso, reconhecemos que o efeito do fogo em muitas relações ecológicas entre plantas e animais ainda é um tópico emergente e tem recebido pouca atenção na literatura atual.…”

“…Revisões sistemáticas e avaliações quantitativas têm sido usadas recentemente como uma ferramenta importante para revelar lacunas em vários tópicos de pesquisa em desenvolvimento (Gurevitch et al, 2018). Para tópicos de pesquisa no estágio inicial de desenvolvimento, como o estudo do fogo e das interações planta-animal, em que os tamanhos das amostras são pequenos, as revisões sistemáticas parecem ser a melhor opção para descobrir tendências e vieses emergentes, uma vez que resumem o conhecimento científico atual sobre o campo de pesquisa, apontando assim para direções frutíferas que os cientistas devem seguir (Juárez-Juárez et al, 2023). Nesse sentido, é necessária uma avaliação quantitativa das tendências e deficiências metodológicas, bem como dos vieses geográficos em estudos que visam a revelar os efeitos do fogo nas relações entre plantas e animais para entender as lacunas de conhecimento e propor maneiras de preenchê-las.…”

Trends and gaps in the study of fire effects on plant–animal interactions in Brazilian ecosystems

“…Alternatively, the interest of certain scientific groups in studying fire effects on ant–plant and plant–pollinator relationships may also help to explain why the study of the fire effects on plant–animal interactions is biased towards these relationships. Indeed, due to the great importance of these plant–animal relationships for ecosystem functioning in the tropics, researchers dealing with ants or pollinators have recently created collaborative research networks to enhance integration among scientists and increase collaborative investigation of these organisms (see Juárez‐Juárez et al, 2023; Salim et al, 2022; Schmidt et al, 2022). In addition, we recognize that the effect of fire on many ecological relationships between plants and animals is still an emerging topic and has received limited attention in the current literature.…”

“…Systematic reviews and quantitative assessments have been lately used as an important tool to reveal gaps in several research topics in development (Gurevitch et al, 2018). For research topics in the initial stage of development, such as the study of fire and plant–animal interactions, in which sample sizes are small, systematic reviews sound as the better option to uncover emerging trends and biases once they summarize current scientific knowledge on the research field, thus pointing to fruitful directions where scientists should follow (Juárez‐Juárez et al, 2023). In this sense, a quantitative assessment of the methodological trends and shortfalls as well as of the geographical biases in studies aiming to unveil the fire effects of plant–animal relationships is necessary to understand the knowledge gaps and propose ways to fill them.…”