The Interaction Affinity Between Flowers and Their Pollinators

Zaal Kikvidze

The probability of flower fertilization by its pollinator is widely recognized as being influenced by species abundances. However, this relationship has rarely been formalized for the analysis of pollination networks. In this study, I introduce a simple model, adapted from physical chemistry, to formalize this functional dependence. This approach draws upon the well-established biochemical concept of affinity, which quantifies the strength of the binding interaction between a protein and its ligand. Affinity, in this context, is explained as the "attraction" or "fit" between two molecules, stemming from their complementarity in shape, charge, and hydrophobic or hydrophilic properties. Analogously, pollinator-flower interactions can be conceptualized through the complementarity of their morphologies, as well as the pollinator's ability to locate and recognize the desired flower, often involving complex behaviors and memory utilization. Just as protein-ligand binding affinity is critical for metabolic efficiency, the affinity within pollination networks can determine the effectiveness of flower-pollinator interactions, offering novel insights into their functional mechanisms.