Same with mint
It still worked out in their favour since we cultivate them now ^_^
We're in a sadomasochistic relationship with chilis.
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.
Which animals were supposed to do so??
The now-extinct giant sloth, for example.
Task failed successfully.
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.
You can use this in real life in your bird feeder by spraying something spicy on the bird seeds. After a couple of tries the squirrels will avoid the feeder.
Spicy peppers are the cats of the plant world
Science Memes
Welcome to c/science_memes @ Mander.xyz!
A place for majestic STEMLORD peacocking, as well as memes about the realities of working in a lab.

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