Thanks for the reply Akhlut.
I realize that most of my questions are only a genuine puzzle to me. I think what bewilders me the most is trying to imagine the circuitous evolutionary route that this fungus has taken.
Is there evidence that we actually have instinctive fears? I recall a study that showed children are naturally wary of heights but I wonder if fear of snakes and spiders are not a learned behavior. I have taught my kids not to be afraid of the little critters but I can't remember what their initial reaction to them was.
A little off topic perhaps but if our behavior and choices are a result of hormone floods and chemical reaction to stimuli what room does this leave for the concept of 'free will'? Why do I like vanilla ice cream? Why do I find my wife attractive?