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fodkodrasztoday at 8:24 AM2 repliesview on HN

> does that mean the fungus had targeted humans genetically?

very utilitarian and anthropocentric world view.

Why would a random thing in the world specifically targeting humans with some niche effect? Did cocoa plant target humans specifically with its pleasing flavor (after having been heavily processed), while being toxic for many other animals?


Replies

cachiustoday at 8:48 AM

Why would a random thing in the world specifically target anything? Nature throws things against the wall and keeps what sticks.

Look at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hedychrum_rutilans, a parasite on a parasite. Did it target beewolves specifically? And now its hosts are dying, was it his fault he chose the 'wrong' target?

Not the anthropocentricity is to criticise, but the idea of nature targeting. OP asked a well meaning question where sth. can be be learned from. Thank you.

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OGWhalestoday at 2:44 PM

Maybe dogs see little dogs instead of little people...