Octopus: its 3 Hearts and 9 Brains Will Amaze You !

With their alien-like appearance and extraordinary capabilities, octopuses have been an inspiration for mythologies and science fiction. These creatures of the deep have long intrigued scientists and laymen alike with their intelligence and peculiar biological features. Notable among these features are their three hearts, nine brains, and the remarkable blood that flows within them.

Unveiling the Mysteries: the Octopus’ Three Hearts

The Role of Each Heart

In a fascinating deviation from most known living beings, an octopus has not one, but three hearts. Two of these are branchial hearts, dedicated to pumping blood to each of the two gills. The third heart, called the systemic heart, is responsible for circulating this oxygenated blood to the rest of its body. Each heart thus plays a specific role in the animal’s circulatory system.

The Unique Blood Circulation System

Adding another layer to their unique biology is the fact that the octopus’s blood contains haemocyanin – a copper-based molecule instead of haemoglobin. As a result, when an octopus is active and its systemic heart is beating, its blood runs blue !

Reflecting on these oddities makes it easier to appreciate why they’ve caught our attention so much. But through this intrigue leads us down another path – understanding their cognition.

The Reign of Neurons: why Does an Octopus Have Nine Brains ?

Distributed Intelligence

Just as they possess multiple hearts, octopuses also boast nine brains – one central brain accompanied by an additional brain in each arm. This means that each arm can operate independently from others, giving the octopus incredible adaptability and problem-solving skills.

Survival and Skill

Their extraordinary intelligence isn’t just for show – it plays a crucial role in their survival. Their distributed cognition helps them change color and texture swiftly for camouflage, open shells of prey, and even escape from closed spaces !

With these faculties, octopuses are not only masters of survival but also subjects of numerous myths and fables.

Tentacular Intelligence: myths and Realities About the Octopus

The Reality Behind the Myths

While some tales about octopuses may seem exaggerated, many are rooted in reality. For instance, stories about octopuses escaping from tanks or opening jars aren’t mere fabrications – they’re demonstrations of their problem-solving abilities and adaptability to their environment.

Astonishing Camouflage Skills

The ability of an octopus to alter its skin color and texture for camouflage isn’t a myth either. It is indeed a reality which is testament to their neural prowess and survival strategies.

Knowing more about these extraordinary creatures gives rise to curiosity about their behavior.

Fascinating Anecdotes About Octopuses: a Glimpse into Their Secret World

Predatory Behavior

Octopuses are predators that mainly feed on crustaceans and fish. They employ their powerful arms equipped with adhesive suckers to capture their prey. This behaviour provides a great insight into their complex cognitive processes.

Their exceptional intellect enables them to exhibit some truly fascinating behaviors.

Behaviour and Intelligence: how Does Cognition Manifest in the Octopus ?

Solution-Oriented Thinking

Their distributed intelligence and independent arm-brains allow octopuses to be highly solution-oriented. They can adapt quickly, learning how to open containers or navigate mazes to get food.

Learning and Memory

In addition to problem-solving abilities, studies have shown that octopuses possess both short and long-term memory. This allows them to recognize shapes, patterns, and even individual humans !

Understanding their behavior is amazing in itself but being able to observe them in their natural habitat is an experience on a different level.

Meeting the Unusual: where Can You Observe Octopuses in Their Natural Habitat ?

Underwater Observations

If you are interested in observing these fascinating creatures in their natural setting, underwater expeditions could be an option for you. Several locations around the world are known for housing diverse species of octopuses in their waters.

In conclusion, with three hearts beating blue blood through nine brains, an unparalleled ability to adapt, and cognitive processes that continue to astonish us, octopuses stand as one of the most remarkable creatures on Earth. Through understanding their physiology and behaviour we not only satisfy our curiosity but also gain valuable insights into the diversity and complexity of life under the sea.