Final answer:
Chile peppers evolved to have their seeds primarily dispersed by birds, indicated by the presence of capsaicin that deters mammals while being ineffective on birds, and by the birds' digestive systems which allow seeds to germinate after passage.
Step-by-step explanation:
Chile peppers have evolved traits that favor dispersal by birds rather than mammals. One of the primary indicators is that capsaicin, the chemical that makes peppers spicy, affects mammals but not birds. This creates an evolutionary advantage, as birds can eat the peppers and disperse the seeds via their droppings, without feeling the repellent heat that deters mammals. Birds' digestive systems generally do not destroy the seeds, allowing them to germinate after passage. In contrast, mammals are more likely to crush the seeds with their teeth, reducing the likelihood of successful dispersal. Additionally, birds might travel longer distances before excreting the seeds, potentially spreading them over a wider area than a mammal would. The efficiency of birds in seed dispersal, combined with the selective deterring effect of capsaicin on mammals, strongly suggests that Chile peppers evolved characteristics to be predominantly spread by avian species.