Spiciness is a defense mechanism, but not against humans or other animals.
Spiciness doesn’t protect a plant against mammals – many mammals actually enjoy it, and humans aren’t the only ones who actually prefer spicier peppers. Birds can’t even taste it at all. And it does nothing to prevent insects.
What it actually does prevent is fungal infections. Spicier peppers are less susceptible to fungus problems. And this is backed up by observations in the wild: wild peppers from wetter, more humid regions tend to be spicier, while wild peppers from dry regions tend to be less spicy.
Butterbee@beehaw.org 4 weeks ago
It still worked out in their favour since we cultivate them now ^_^
KoboldCoterie@pawb.social 4 weeks ago
We’re in a sadomasochistic relationship with chilis.
HobbitFoot@thelemmy.club 4 weeks ago
Still not as lucky as avocado.
We kill the animals that can shit out their seeds, but we end up breeding them ourselves because avocados are delicious.
tuxiqae@lemmy.dbzer0.com 4 weeks ago
Which animals were supposed to do so??
JakenVeina@midwest.social 4 weeks ago
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