this post was submitted on 21 Mar 2025
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Science Memes

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[–] Kongpiler@lemm.ee 9 points 3 days ago (3 children)

Does anyone have an explanation for why they would evolve to prevent being eaten by mammals? I would think having mammals help spread their seeds would be beneficial?

[–] Kongpiler@lemm.ee 16 points 3 days ago

Found the answer myself. Protects against fungal attacks. Also birds don't have the same receptors to capsaicin.

[–] chatokun@lemmy.dbzer0.com 3 points 2 days ago

Adding to the other responses, birds have simple digestion systems and the seed makes it into the poop, which birds do in flight so the seed will spread. Mammals digestive systems would destroy the seeds before they can spread

[–] Wizard_Pope@lemmy.world 9 points 3 days ago

Birds eat them without feeling the heat. And they can spread seeds more effectively as you can imagine.