The Invasion Ecology of Mutualism

Abstract

Successful invasive species commonly depend on the establishment of mutualistic interactions with native and nonnative biota. In turn, invasive species can affect native mutualisms and community stability. Here, we examine different forms of mutualist acquisition by invasive species and the causes and consequences of mutualism abandonment for invasion processes. Additionally, we delve into the quantitative and qualitative effects of invaders on native biota via mutualism disruption that can occur through direct and diverse indirect pathways. These effects of invasive species on native biota via mutualistic interactions can often be a consequence of the invaders’ abundance, which should be considered a prime predictor when evaluating the impact of invasive species on native mutualisms and community stability. We propose that the ecological as well as the evolutionary consequences of mutualism disruption and switches caused by invasive species can play crucial roles in determining future biodiversity.