Subject: Re: Biological function of hallucinogens in fungi?

From: [email-masked] (Warren Rekow)
Date: 28 Jan 1996 16:24:55 -0800

If true that aerial fruiting bodies seek to disseminate spores via air
currents, then they may gain an advantage by using toxins to discourage
the ingestion and destruction of the fruiting body.

By contrast, if true that the fruiting bodies of truffle-producing species
of fungi seek to be ingested by rodents, deer etc. as a mechanism of
spore dissemination, then it must follow that these fruiting bodies have
evolved so as to not be toxic or otherwise harmful to vector species.

So folks, are any truffles known to be toxic?

-- 
Warren Rekow ([email-masked])
HC 79, Box 104, Melba  ID  83641
Phone or fax: 208-896-4908