Octopuses are so clever: every arm has its own job
The traditional view of an octopus flailing its eight arms chaotically is now obsolete. Researchers from Florida Atlantic University have discovered that these marine cephalopods assign different roles to their limbs depending on their activities: exploring, moving, or manipulating objects. This breakthrough not only sheds light on their intelligence but also provides valuable insights for the development of future soft robotics.
### A creature with a distinctive nervous system
Octopuses, squids, and cuttlefish belong to the cephalopod family, renowned for their remarkable intelligence. Each arm is equipped with thousands of suckers and four types of muscles, enabling them to coil, stretch, or contract with exceptional precision. Moreover, the independence of each limb allows them to function almost autonomously.
### The revelation: a preference for front arms
Through the analysis of 25 recordings of wild octopuses from 2007 to 2015 in the Atlantic and Caribbean oceans, focusing on species such as Octopus vulgaris, Octopus insularis, and Octopus americanus, researchers identified fifteen behaviors and twelve movements. The findings indicated that front arms are utilized in 64% of tasks, primarily for exploration, while the rear arms are involved in 36%, mainly for locomotion.
### Unforeseen behaviors beneath the waves
Noteworthy behaviors observed include the “roll,” where a rear arm moves under the body like a conveyor belt to aid in movement. Another interesting posture is the “stilt,” where an arm is extended towards the seafloor to elevate the body. These behaviors highlight the precise coordination exhibited by these fascinating creatures.
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