An example of teleology in scientific writing,
"…if these humble fungi – whose mission is to return to the general circulation of matter those substances incorporated by the higher plants and animals – were to disappear, humans could not inhabit the planet."
Santiago Ramón y Cajal (1999). Advice for a Young Investigator. The MIT Press. (Translation of 4th Spanish Edition, 1916)
To refer to the fungi's mission implies a deliberate purpose:
Read about teleology in science
Read examples of teleological (pseudo)explanations for scientific phenomena
Read about types of pseudo-explanations
Calling fungi humble is metaphorical, as an entity can only be humble if it could make alternative choices (so as to be arrogant and pretentious perhaps). This can be considered an anthropomorphic metaphor as it suggests fungi have hum-like properties.
Read examples of anthropomorphism in science
