Via EVNautilus
octopus
Scientists have recently analyzed a full octopus genome and found that their DNA is unlike anything else on Earth. With lots of genes packed densely together and genes that would normally group together being spread out through the genome, they have said that the octopus is basically an alien. Of course, anyone who's seen a sci-fi movie could have told you that just by looking them.
Via Cheezburger
Octopi ( or octopodes? octopuses?) are surprisingly smart for such squishy sea creatures. On the other hand, the peacock spider sure can dance. Which one is cuter? Let's put it to a vote!
Via SciFri
This deep sea octopus is being studied at the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute. It is part of the genus Opisthoteuthis but the specific name is up to Stephanie Bush, the scientist working on describing this particular species.
Via www.youtube.com
When the Sea Life Awauarium in New Zealand decided to teach an octopus called Rambo how to take pictures, it only took her three attempts to figure it out.
“When we first tried to get her to take a photo, it only took three attempts for her to understand the process,” said one of the trainiers. “That’s faster than a dog. Actually it’s faster than a human in some instances.”
Via IsoscelesKr4mer
An octopus recently tried and failed to make a break for it at the Seattle Aquarium.
The 8-legged beast climbed up his tank and nearly made it over the edge before a member of the staff thwarted his plans.
He was probably just hungry and headed for the crab tank. Or he was jealous of some his cellmates who were recently granted their freedom.
A few weeks ago, the aquarium successfully mated Franklin and Hazel who met on an octopus “blind date” before releasing them back into the wild.
Here’s video footage of the two being set free below a pier.
