>>2811131>Why would a mutation to produce sugar be more likely than a mutation to produce cyanide?because the chances just aren't there
things like toxicity are literally chosen for
they first began with something thats minuscule, then over a period of time the ones that survived were the most toxic
a random mutation wouldn't suddenly give meaningfully toxic abilities, it may give abilities that if selectively bred would turn out to be toxic, yet thats the case with any plant to begin with
just like how you mentioned squash, many cucumbers can taste bitter, thats cucurbitacin, a toxic compound
sometimes people will accidentally choose a cucumber that was bitter, grow the seeds, and end up with toxic pickles
its all about what you choose to keep
