New paper: Modularity limits the spatial propagation of disturbance in experimental seagrass networks
We are pleased to share a recently published paper co-authored by Caterina Mintrone (first author) and Lisandro Benedetti-Cecchi from the University of Pisa. The paper, "Modularity limits the spatial propagation of disturbance in experimental seagrass networks", contributes to the Tuscan Archipelago Living Lab.
This study, building on network theory, experimentally assessed how the spatial structure of habitats influences the spread of disturbances in Posidonia oceanica meadows. By comparing modular and random networks, we found that modularity significantly limited the spread of algal turfs, confining their effects within the initially disturbed areas. These findings highlight the importance of spatial connectivity patterns for ecosystem resistance. Incorporating network theory into marine spatial planning may therefore support more effective conservation and management strategies aimed at limiting disturbance propagation and enhancing ecosystem persistence.
Abstract
Understanding how habitat structure affects disturbance dynamics among connected patches is a central issue in ecology. Network theory predicts that a modular arrangement of habitat patches can limit the spread of local perturbations, reducing the probability of large-scale impacts. We performed a field experiment to test whether modular networks were more resistant to the spread of algal turfs compared to random networks within meadows of the seagrass Posidonia oceanica (L.) Delile. Networks were created by manipulating the canopy of P. oceanica to promote the vegetative propagation of algal turfs among network nodes from initially disturbed patches. Algal turfs spread more widely among nodes in random networks, whereas they remained confined within the nodes of the perturbed module in modular networks. Our findings support the hypothesis that modularity is a key trait of ecological networks for mitigating the spread of perturbations and emphasize the importance of considering habitat structure for conservation efforts.
Mintrone, Caterina, Giulia Proserpio, and Lisandro Benedetti-Cecchi. 2026. “ Modularity Limits the Spatial Propagation of Disturbance in Experimental Seagrass Networks.” Ecology 107(9): e70476. https://doi.org/10.1002/ecy.70476
