Octopus uses tools … what's next?

December 17, 2009 - In the past, we've seen an octopus blend in with rocks, run on the ocean floor and solve a maze. That's not all they can do. Apparently, some octopuses pick up coconut shells and hide in them, the first evidence of an invertebrate using tools.

   The veined octopus has been observed cleaning and carrying various shells for future use. Sure, some crabs hide in shells, but the difference here is that the octopus isn't wearing the shell … he's utilizing it for later. It's pretty amazing what we're finding out about lower life forms these days. I'm waiting for the report that shows an octopus solving the "Hard" Sudoku puzzle.
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Darrell
Posts: 3
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Re: Octopus uses tools … what's next?
Reply #3 on : Sat January 16, 2010, 21:17:45
Next, octopuses learn to mimic horse trotting noises using the coconuts for even better camouflage.
Darrell
Posts: 3
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Re: Octopus uses tools … what's next?
Reply #2 on : Sat January 16, 2010, 21:18:04
And here's the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JHFXG3r_0B8
Brian
Posts: 3
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Re: Octopus uses tools … what's next?
Reply #1 on : Sat January 16, 2010, 21:18:27
Opposable tentacles... My previous fear was dolphins; now it's mollusks... With beaks nonetheless...