Robustness of global ecological networks mediated by modularity and asymmetry

One of the major challenges in ecology is to characterize the architecture of bipartite ecological networks and understand how this architecture influences the robustness and resilience of the networks against species loss. To address this challenge, we employed a comprehensive dataset comprising 462 mutualistic networks (fruit-frugivore, plant-pollinator) and 287 antagonistic networks (prey-predator, host-parasite). Although we failed to distinguish between antagonistic and mutualistic networks based on structural metrics, fruit-frugivore networks did display some distinct features compared to other bipartite networks. Regardless of interaction ecology, web asymmetry contributes significantly to maintaining strong ecological interactions in the face of disruptions. In contrast, modularity, specialization asymmetry, and asymmetric specialization reduce overall network robustness. Ultimately, modularity and asymmetry interact synergistically to shape global ecological networks and alter their resilience against external pressures, such as environmental changes or species loss.