Editing Capsaicin (section)

=== Seed dispersion and deterrents against granivorous mammals ===
[[Seed predation|Granivorous]] mammals pose a risk to the propagation of chilies because their molars grind the seeds of chilies, rendering them unable to grow into new chili plants.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Levey DJ, Tewksbury JJ, Cipollini ML, Carlo TA | title = A field test of the directed deterrence hypothesis in two species of wild chili | journal = Oecologia | volume = 150 | issue = 1 | pages = 61–68 | date = November 2006 | pmid = 16896774 | doi = 10.1007/s00442-006-0496-y | bibcode = 2006Oecol.150...61L | s2cid = 10892233 }}</ref><ref name="Tewksbury Nabhan 2001"/> As a result, modern chilies evolved defense mechanisms to mitigate the risk of granivorous mammals. While capsaicin is present at some level in every part of the pepper, the chemical has its highest concentration in the tissue near the seeds within chilies.<ref name="NMSU Q&A 2005" /> Birds are able to eat chilies, then disperse the seeds in their excrement, enabling propagation.<ref name="Tewksbury Nabhan 2001"/>