PSS

PSS quantifies the phylogenetic structure of interaction partners by measuring deviations in partner phylogenetic α-diversity relative to randomized expectations.

Key Features:

• Bias Mitigation: Incorporates deviations between observed and random interaction frequencies as weights in calculating partner phylogenetic α-diversity.
• Cross-System Comparability: Independent of network properties, allowing for meaningful comparisons across diverse ecological systems without correlation interference.

Scientific Applications:

• Empirical Network Analysis: Applied to host-parasite interactions, avian seed-dispersal, lichenized fungi-cyanobacteria symbioses, and hummingbird pollination.

Methodology:

Calculates the PSS index by comparing observed partner phylogenetic α-diversity against a null distribution generated through randomized phylogenetic distances among partners and is implemented in R.