Modeling and analysis of modular structure in diverse biological networks

•The SBM-PS model uses a path selection algorithm to generate modular networks.•SBM-PS focuses on the properties of edges, selecting for edges that increase clustering.•A proteomic and two neuroanatomical networks have common architectural features.•Both network types can be fit by the SBM-PS model.•Subnetworks with characteristic topologies control network phenotypic outputs.