Did you know octopuses have nine brains and use tools? Discover the secrets of one of the ocean's brightest minds. The octopus is not just a master of disguise, it's also an escape genius. How did a creature like this evolve to be so smart? The intelligence of the octopus goes beyond what we can imagine. Learn all about its astonishing capacity for learning and memory. #MarineBiology #OceanMysteries #IntelligentOctopuses
00:04When we think of intelligent animals, our minds often go to mammals like dolphins or primates,
00:11but in the depths of the ocean lives a creature that defies all our expectations.
00:16The octopus, with its otherworldly appearance, blue blood, three hearts, and a donut-shaped brain.
00:23These cephalopods are a box of surprises.
00:26One of the most unique characteristics of the octopus is that it doesn't have just one brain, but nine.
00:33You heard that right.
00:35In addition to a central brain, each of its eight arms has its own mini-brain.
00:40This unique architecture allows its arms to perform tasks independently and efficiently.
00:47However, the central brain can still direct its movements.
00:51A system that gives the octopus the best of both worlds.
00:54Localized and centralized control over its actions.
00:59In terms of brain power, the octopus is exceptional among invertebrates.
01:03Its brain-to-body ratio is the largest of any invertebrate and even surpasses that of many vertebrates.
01:09A common octopus, for example, has around 500 million neurons, roughly the same number as a dog.
01:16The most interesting part is that two-thirds of these neurons are in its arms.
01:20This incredible neural architecture translates into astonishingly clever behaviors.
01:27In experiments, octopuses have demonstrated their intelligence by solving mazes and completing complex tasks to get rewards.
01:35Beyond the lab, their cunning is legendary.
01:39There is a story of an octopus that would escape its tank, open another one to eat the fish, and return to its home without a trace.
01:46Its ability to solve problems has also been seen in nature, such as the octopus that stole crabs from fishermen's traps.
01:55What truly elevates their intelligence is their ability to use tools.
02:00Something rare outside of primates, dolphins, and some birds.
02:05In the lab, they have used objects to get food, and in nature, they build complex dens with rocks, shells, and even bottle caps.
02:12The blanket octopus goes a step further, using venomous jellyfish tentacles as a weapon, as they are immune to its venom.
02:22Perhaps the most convincing example is the veined octopus, which carries coconut shells to build shelters elsewhere.
02:28They accept the risk of being vulnerable along the way, demonstrating genuine planning and tool use.
02:35Octopuses can also recognize individuals, including human faces.
02:39There is a story of an octopus at the University of Otago that seemed to dislike a staff member, spraying her with water every time she passed.
02:49Experiments at the Seattle Aquarium confirm this.
02:52Octopuses reacted differently to a keeper who fed them, compared to another who bothered them with a stick.
02:59Even though both wore identical uniforms, their intelligence is also key for survival, especially their clever disguises and escape techniques.
03:07Octopuses are probably the most skilled camouflage masters in the world.
03:13They can change the color and texture of their skin instantly, using specialized cells called chromatophores and popolique.
03:21The mimic octopus is particularly astonishing.
03:25Instead of camouflaging itself, it imitates a wide variety of venomous animals, like the lionfish or sea snakes.
03:32It adapts its imitation based on the predator, choosing the one that represents the greatest threat to its attacker.
03:39Recently, scientists have found genetic clues that could explain their remarkable intelligence.
03:45They discovered jumping genes, which make up 45% of the human genome and are also abundant in the octopus.
03:51While most of these genes are inactive, a specific type, the lion families, are active in humans and play a crucial role in learning and memory.
04:02Astonishingly, these genes are also active in the octopus's vertical lobe, a section of the brain vital for learning.
04:09This similarity, although likely a result of convergent evolution, suggests a common genetic basis for complex cognitive processing.
04:19In conclusion, the intelligence of octopuses is profound and multifaceted, from their unique nervous system with multiple brains to their advanced problem-solving skills, incredible camouflage, tool use, and personal recognition.
04:33These creatures continue to amaze scientists.
04:38The recent discovery of genetic links deepens our understanding of how such complex intelligence could have evolved in an invertebrate.
04:46Making octopuses one of the most fascinating and intelligent inhabitants of our oceans.
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