The Mysteries Surrounding The Octopus’ Intelligence
The intelligence of the octopus is a very interesting topic. These creatures have a wonderful mind. Interestingly, the more than 500 million neurons the octopuses have are in their tentacles. An octopus tackle helps it feel, smell and even make decisions.
Those who work with these animals know that they can be troublesome. There are many stories about escapist octopuses, or that they get into other thoughts to steal food.
Some researchers believe that the octopus’ intelligence is not a big deal, and that their skills are only ecological intelligence, which means that this animal develops strategies depending on the environment. Thus, squid are just like any other animal trying to figure out how to get food.
Nevertheless, Piero Amodio, a researcher at the University of Padua , shared a video that went viral. In the video you can see an octopus that gets a shell and hides in it. Later, the octopus takes the shell with it because it knows it may be useful in the future. It’s planning, just that.
Characteristics and mysteries of the octopus’ intelligence
Over 275 million years ago, squid had a hard shell. That shell could protect them from predators, but it made it difficult for them to get food. Getting rid of the hard shell has enabled them to explore the environment freely, enter narrow openings, gain the strength to crush shells and rocks and hunt more precisely.
However, not having a shell can have its drawbacks as well. Therefore, octopuses have found ways to protect themselves. Incredibly, the octopus’ intelligence goes far beyond this. Peter Godfrey-Smith, an Australian philosopher and octopus expert, has investigated the origin of consciousness through octopuses.
Other Minds: The Octopus, the Sea, and the Deep Origins of Consciousness) Other thoughts: octopus, sea and the deep origins of consciousness ) is a very interesting book that can help you understand octopuses and even yourself. In his book, Godfrey-Smith talks about his encounter with a giant octopus in Australia. This octopus was not afraid of him and came closer and was very curious about Godfrey-Smith. The delicate touch was really special to the philosopher.
Octopus intelligence: They can change their genetic code
Eli Eisenberg, a researcher at Tel Aviv University , studied the octopus’ intelligence to discover how these creatures can manipulate their own genetic code.
Octopuses adapt to the nervous system according to the climate changes of the environment. Their organism collects ribonucleic acid (RNA) and sends new proteins to their genes to better adapt to environmental changes. Humans can do that too, but at an incredibly slow speed called evolution. Octopuses do this based on their current needs.
The same amount of neurons as dogs
Octopuses have about 500 million neurons, the same number as dogs. Fossil octopus’ nervous system passes through their tentacles, so these represent nine brains: a central brain and eight peripherals.
The tentacles are important for the octopus’ intelligence. Their tentacles help them explore their surroundings and smell, taste and even make decisions. Although each tentacle can make its own decisions, they decide to cooperate, which is most likely for the best.
They are communicative, playful and creative
Biologists have discovered that some squid communicate with each other through a language similar to Morse code. Even those who have seen an octopus in action know that they can be incredibly creative.
Octopuses can build their own hiding places, solve problems in a creative way, bypass obstacles, open boxes, hunt, and even display some human behavior.
If they feel threatened or uncomfortable, squid shoot a stream of water at their attackers. They develop manners, form associations, have favorite toys, and also those that are not favorites that they consistently destroy. They can behave badly and form loving bonds and also feel hatred towards others.
In short, learning about the octopus’ intelligence can help you understand your own consciousness.
