Hello, everyone! Today, I have a bit of spicy trivia to share with you. Do you like spicy foods? When humans eat chili peppers, they go “Phew!” However, birds don’t feel any spiciness at all.
The essence of spiciness is a component called “capsaicin.” This capsaicin reacts with certain receptors on our tongue, causing the sensation of “spiciness.” But, curiously enough, birds lack these receptors!
This survival strategy of the chili pepper is actually convenient for birds. Since they don’t feel any spiciness, birds can enjoy eating them. Not only that, but they also play a role in transporting chili pepper seeds through flight. The seeds eaten by birds are carried far and excreted in their droppings. As a result, chili peppers can expand their habitat and thrive.
While mammals and insects avoid chili peppers due to their spiciness, birds don’t care about that. By swallowing the seeds whole without crushing them, birds are truly saviors for chili peppers.
While humans enjoy the spiciness, birds spread chili pepper seeds around the world without feeling any heat. It’s a wonderful symbiosis where chili peppers and birds help each other. See you next time for more trivia!
