The octopus, a member of the Octopodidae family, is a remarkable creature known for its astonishing intelligence and unique characteristics. With three hearts, the ability to camouflage seamlessly, and a central brain complemented by mini-brains in each arm, these cephalopods have captivated scientists with their problem-solving skills.
In a recent study, researchers presented an octopus with a challenging task. Placing a fish inside a baby bottle with a small hole, they aimed to test the octopus’s ability to retrieve the fish. While the hole allowed the octopus to taste the fish, it was too small for the creature to extract the prey. The bottle’s screw top presented an obstacle, as the octopus needed to figure out how to remove it to access the fish.
What transpired next astonished the scientists. Rather than attempting to unscrew the bottle top as anticipated, the octopus devised its own solution. By applying force to the pacifier part of the lid, the octopus managed to tear it off, creating a larger opening through which it could reach the fish.
This demonstration of ingenuity showcased the octopus’s complex problem-solving abilities and physical dexterity. Such feats underscore the intelligence of these creatures, challenging traditional notions of cognitive capabilities in invertebrates.
Living in various oceanic environments, octopuses display a range of behaviors and adaptations. From the twilight zone to the deepest depths where sunlight cannot penetrate, these creatures make their homes on the ocean floor, typically residing in solitary dens.
The cognitive prowess of octopuses continues to fascinate researchers, highlighting their capacity for learning, memory formation, and adaptation. By exploring the intricate behaviors and skills of octopuses, scientists gain valuable insights into the diverse and extraordinary capabilities of these remarkable marine animals.
In order to survive in the wild, it is essential for an organism to appear as a predator rather than prey. Complex brains have evolved primarily in vertebrates, although there is an exception with soft-bodied cephalopods like octopuses. Studies have revealed a fascinating similarity between octopuses and humans in terms of a shared gene known as a “jumping gene” or transposon. These genes, consisting of short DNA sequences, have the ability to relocate within the genome from one location to another. While many of these jumping genes are inactive in both humans and octopuses today, scientists speculate that some may still be functional. It is believed that these genes could play a crucial role in memory and learning processes, potentially contributing to the advanced cognitive abilities of octopuses.
An intriguing fact about octopuses is that they possess eight mini-brains, one in each of their arms, totaling approximately 500 million neurons—almost as many as dogs have in their brains. Unlike most animals, the neurons in octopuses are not concentrated in a central brain but are distributed throughout their eight arms, with a significant portion, around 60%, residing in these appendages. The absence of bones in their bodies allows octopuses to exhibit remarkable flexibility and control over their arms, enabling them to manipulate objects and solve problems with great ingenuity. The independence of decision-making in each arm contributes to the overall cognitive prowess of octopuses, as demonstrated by their extraordinary problem-solving abilities, such as the instance of an octopus forcefully removing a pacifier in a video.
The unique characteristics of octopuses have not only captivated scientists but also inspired the development of innovative technologies based on their biological adaptations. Researchers have drawn inspiration from the octopus in various fields, leading to the creation of products like underwater adhesives, camouflage materials, and suction cups that mimic the biological features of these fascinating creatures. A notable advancement in biomimicry involves the construction of an underwater robot in Singapore modeled after an octopus. This robot is equipped with soft, flexible arms capable of moving, swimming, and grasping objects underwater. The researchers envision potential applications of this robotic technology in underwater exploration, search and rescue missions, and the study of marine ecosystems.
For a deeper insight into the remarkable abilities of octopuses and the innovative technologies inspired by them, you can watch the video titled “How Did This Octopus Open a Screw-Top Lid?” available at A-Z Animals.
