1. They're super smart.
Octopuses can solve puzzles, recognize human
faces, open childproof medicine bottles, navigate mazes, and when they
get bored, they keep themselves busy by inventing simple games!
2. They're basically squishy Houdinis.
They have the ability to escape from almost anywhere. They can squeeze through holes, undo locks and latches, and untie knots.
3. They're pro fort builders.
They need a new home every day, and find
shells, discarded bottles, or anything else they come across. As long as
it's just slightly bigger than they are, they'll make it their home.
Then they wait to attack their prey.
4. They keep their temporary homes very tidy.
Scientists have learned to spot octopus homes
by piles of debris right outside the entrance from all the cleaning
they do. Females also lay their eggs in a similar fashion to the way we
hang twinkle lights - very stylish.
5. They can walk and run...
Even on dry land. Just ask researchers, who have to chase these guys all over the lab like skittish cats.
6. They'll disappear right before your eyes.
In 0.3 seconds, to be exact. They can change
their color, texture, and shape to match their surroundings. As if that
camouflage wasn't enough, they'll cast a pseudomorph, which is basically
like a smoke bomb consisting of ink and mucus that irritates and
distracts predators to allow for a stealthy escape.
7. They can do impressions, too.
8. They may look pretty, but they can take on sharks.
Not only that, but they'll rip the lethal stingers of a Portuguese man-of-war clean off, using them as their own weapon. That is some next level stuff. Smart but also entirely terrifying.
9. They don't need utensils.
They've got a sharp beak and a toothed ribbon
called a radula, so when their strong arms aren't enough to open a
clam, they drill a hole in its shell, stun it with poison, and the clam
opens right up. Dinner's served!
10. They can have sex with their mate from the house next door.
Yep, the male's sex organ is located at the
end of one of his arms, so he doesn't have to leave the house to
procreate if he doesn't want to...and if the young lady lives nearby.
I don't know if I should be amazed, shocked, impressed, terrified, or all of the above. All I know for sure is that I have 10 more reasons to stay far, far away from the ocean at all costs. These guys are sneaky-smart, and I want to admire their beauty and awesomeness from great distances.
0 comments:
Post a Comment