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?
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
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?
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
Birds eat them without feeling the heat. And they can spread seeds more effectively as you can imagine.
Found the answer myself. Protects against fungal attacks. Also birds don’t have the same receptors to capsaicin.