World Octopus Day brings about visions of the distinctively bizarre eight-legged creature from the sea. But how much do you know about this zany sea creature? Celebrate these quirky sea creatures on Oct. 8 with the rest of the world.
Octopus fossils have actually dated back more than 300 million years, according to Days of the Year; imagine what the species has seen through the centuries, and having survived.
These highly intelligent creatures have about 500 million neurons located in their brains and arms, which allow them to learn lessons and solve problems. They are highly intelligent even though they belong in an invertebrate family called mollusks, which funnily enough includes brainless clams, according to The Los Angeles Times. The Seattle Aquarium says its studies show octopuses recognize individual humans quickly, looking up through the water, even when the humans are identically dressed.
The octopus can change both its color and shape and us capable of sliding its enormous 100-lb. body through an opening smaller than an orange. They have also learned to taste with their skin, another phenomenon that shows their highly evolved intelligence. They also use rocks and jets of water as tools, according to One Kind.
Scientists say the creatures have developed tool use with their ingenious ability and foresight to pack along portable protective shelters to hide in as they explore new areas, The Dodo reports, putting them in a class of unsurpassed intelligence. Watch this amazing video and see the ingenuity of this octopus, nicknamed the "kleptopus," as he carries his new home with him.
Another video highlighting octopus skills brings Julian Finn, a researcher from the Victoria Museum tin Australia, to marvel at the octopus stuffing itself into a coconut for protection
"I almost drowned laughing when I saw this the first time," Finn said. "I could tell it was going to do something, but I didn't expect this - I didn't expect it would pick up the shell and run away with it".
Quirky sea-faring creatures, absolutely no question they are! But also highly intelligent, and dating back to pre-dinosaur times. Wow. The octopus is like no other.
