Introduction
The Class Cephalopoda includes species such as nautilus, cuttlefish, squid, and octopus. Cephalopods are distinguished from other classes in the phylum Mollusca by the presences of complex nervous systems, arms around its mouth, and eggs that hatch into smaller versions of adults rather than larvae (ARKive 2013). There are approximately 300 species of octopuses with the giant Pacific octopus being the largest species at approximately 110 pounds (High 1976).
Octopuses are found in both tropical and temperate water, however wherever they live they require seclusion and protection and therefore seek out caves or holes for shelters (High 1976). Predators of octopus are sharks, eels, dolphins, and larger octopuses while octopuses prey on crabs, crayfish, and other mollusks (ARKive). The longest-lived octopuses typically live for only three to five years while many species live for only months; all dying after mating or when offspring are hatched (High 1976).
Aristotle made the first documented observations of octopus behavior as he spent time observing creatures in the Aegean Sea. In his book, The History of Animals, Aristotle writes “The octopus is a stupid creature, for it will approach a man’s hand if it be lowered in the water” (Aristotle 350 B.C.E). Though Aristotle made many excellent observations, his critique of octopuses’ intelligence is increasingly becoming proven wrong by modern behaviorists. Octopuses have a high body-brain size ratio, one that is in fact larger than vertebrates such as birds, fish, and some mammals. Octopuses have excellent visual acuity and learning ability that is similar to vertebrates (Mather 2008).
Behaviorists are continually surprised at the presence of many octopus behaviors but unsure of why octopuses have the ability for such powerful neural activities when their life cycle is so short. Many behaviors such as camouflage and solving problems seem to have their root in thwarting attacks from predators and finding prey, however cause behind behaviors such as exploratory behaviors are not as clear (Mather 2008). Within this website, you will find information concerning the intelligence and memory abilities of octopuses as well as the mechanisms that allow for such behavior and questions of consciousness and personalities that behaviorists are currently wrestling with.
Octopuses are found in both tropical and temperate water, however wherever they live they require seclusion and protection and therefore seek out caves or holes for shelters (High 1976). Predators of octopus are sharks, eels, dolphins, and larger octopuses while octopuses prey on crabs, crayfish, and other mollusks (ARKive). The longest-lived octopuses typically live for only three to five years while many species live for only months; all dying after mating or when offspring are hatched (High 1976).
Aristotle made the first documented observations of octopus behavior as he spent time observing creatures in the Aegean Sea. In his book, The History of Animals, Aristotle writes “The octopus is a stupid creature, for it will approach a man’s hand if it be lowered in the water” (Aristotle 350 B.C.E). Though Aristotle made many excellent observations, his critique of octopuses’ intelligence is increasingly becoming proven wrong by modern behaviorists. Octopuses have a high body-brain size ratio, one that is in fact larger than vertebrates such as birds, fish, and some mammals. Octopuses have excellent visual acuity and learning ability that is similar to vertebrates (Mather 2008).
Behaviorists are continually surprised at the presence of many octopus behaviors but unsure of why octopuses have the ability for such powerful neural activities when their life cycle is so short. Many behaviors such as camouflage and solving problems seem to have their root in thwarting attacks from predators and finding prey, however cause behind behaviors such as exploratory behaviors are not as clear (Mather 2008). Within this website, you will find information concerning the intelligence and memory abilities of octopuses as well as the mechanisms that allow for such behavior and questions of consciousness and personalities that behaviorists are currently wrestling with.