The octopus problem: intelligence without a backbone
Octopuses solve puzzles, use shelters and change colour in an instant. They also live short, solitary lives. How does that fit together?
2 min read
Octopuses are molluscs, related to snails and clams, yet they behave in ways we usually associate with much larger-brained animals. Much of their nervous system sits in their arms.
They learn quickly, explore new objects and can squeeze through any gap larger than their beak. For a soft animal with no shell, being clever is a form of armour.
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