Convergent biosynthesis of psilocybin in an ectomycorrhizal lineage: is the psychoactive end-product the selected trait?
Mellica Askari, Varun Surapaneni
EcoEvoRxiv July 1, 2026 DOI: 10.32942/x2fd49 (opens in new tab)
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractPsilocybin, the psychoactive compound in magic mushrooms, is produced by a convergent biosynthetic pathway in an ectomycorrhizal lineage of fungi. The paper questions whether the psychoactive end-product itself is the trait that natural selection has acted upon, or whether it is a byproduct of another adaptive function. The authors explore alternative hypotheses for the evolutionary role of psilocybin, such as deterring predators or manipulating insect behavior, and argue that the selective advantage may not be the compound's psychoactive properties in humans.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Key finding | Proposes that psilocybin's ecological function, rather than its psychoactive effects on humans, is the likely target of natural selection in ectomycorrhizal fungi. |
Abstract
Convergent biosynthesis of psilocybin in an ectomycorrhizal lineage: is the psychoactive end-product the selected trait?