Jains do respect science and reasoning, but Jain ethics are not based only on visible, physical damage. They are based on ahimsa — avoiding harm to living beings in the deepest possible way.

About mushrooms:

• In Jain tradition, mushrooms are generally not treated like ordinary vegetables.
• They are avoided because they are associated with living organisms, moisture, decay, and many subtle life forms.
• Jain restraint is not only about “how much damage a harvest causes,” but also about whether a food involves harm to living beings, direct or subtle.

So the point is not that Jains “ignore science.” Rather:

• Science may ask: “How much biomass is lost?”
• Jain Dharma asks: “How much living harm is involved, and can it be avoided?”

That is why Jains may avoid some foods even when the harm is not obvious to the eye. This comes from the Jain commitment to non-violence, self-discipline, and minimizing injury as much as possible.

If you want, I can also explain the Jain view of plants, mushrooms, root vegetables, and water beings in a simple way.