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The dose makes the poison…
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Plants are the most important source of nutrients for pretty much all of Earth’s animals, and many of the planet’s bacteria and fungi too. Humans like them so much that we line them up in salad bars so we can feast upon their crunchy cronch by the plate full.

But plants don’t always want to be eaten, ya know? Here’s a look at some of our favorite plant flavors and how they are actually a form of chemical warfare
We owe caterpillars for spicy mustard:
http://www.pnas.org/content/early/2015/06/17/1503926112.abstract
http://munews.missouri.edu/news-releases/2015/0622-genetic-study-of-co-evolution-could-provide-clues-to-better-food-production/

Pests gave us condiments thanks to coevolution: http://www.signecane.com/2015/06/23/co-evolution

Overview of plant chemical defenses and what we use them for in the kitchen: http://www.apsnet.org/edcenter/intropp/topics/Pages/OverviewOfPlantDiseases.aspx

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It’s Okay To Be Smart is written and hosted by Joe Hanson, Ph.DFollow me on Twitter: @jtotheizzoe
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