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The term you want to search for is "phytoestrogens".

From wikipedia: "It has been hypothesized that plants use a phytoestrogen as part of their natural defence against the overpopulation of herbivore animals by controlling female fertility.[3][4]"

Though wikipedia also says: "These compounds in plants are an important part of their defense system, mainly against fungi.[19]"

So it could be that plants are principally targeting fungi for the most part, and just serendipitously targeting animals as well.



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