Recently, we reported on a new study from scientists who managed to sequence the first octopus genome, trying to map out the cephalopod’s entire DNA. Sure, what they found was extraordinary and they proved that octopuses are very different from other creatures, but you are not prepared for what is coming.
The team of scientists published their impressive study, for the purpose of which they used the California two-spot octopus as their subject. Then, they combined forces with a group of researchers from the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology in Japan and, together, they discovered the octopus’ strange genetics that made it the first intelligent creature on planet Earth, when it developed half a billion years ago.
DEFINE “INTELLIGENT”
Studies have found that octopuses are extremely intelligent since their behaviors can prove that they do not possess just a short-term memory, but a more complex, long-term one.
They know how to open jars in order to eat their prey, they solve puzzles, they can find their way out of a maze and they can use tools like coconuts in order to build a shelter. Their intelligence, though, seems like a necessity since parents do not learn young octopuses anything due to their little contact after their birth.
Some countries consider octopuses so intelligent that they ban them as experimental animals without anesthesia.
AND BECAUSE OCTOPUSES ARE A LOT LIKE HUMANS
Humans have 20,000 – 25,000 genes, while octopuses have 33,000 and, while uncovering the sequence, scientists discovered that some of them are similar to those found in humans and are responsible for their quick adaptation and learning.
Also, both humans and octopuses have a large brain, closed circulatory system, and their eyes are composed of an iris, retina, and lens. However, the most amazing discovery was the ability of the octopus to improve on its own genetic code, which is common in humans and other animals, but octopuses can even edit their own RNA. Trying to adjust to any condition an octopus can adapt its nerves in order to fight the extremely low temperature of the ocean. Octopuses can also taste their food due to a function of their sucker, making them selective with their dinner.
BUT WHAT IF THE OCTOPUS IS AN ALIEN?
Those who believe that octopuses come from aliens, rely on the similarities that these creatures have with humans since all the above are independently developed in another species different from our own mammal origins, and it may seem strange, but we will get an answer soon. After all, this project has given the world many possibilities and the process of breaking down the genome has only just begun, keeping us in suspense for what is about to come.
Is The Octopus An Alien, Or More Like Humans?
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