The dexterity, curiosity, ability to communicate with each other and the “supreme intelligence” of invertebrates puts them possibly ahead of primates in succession to the throne, in eventual underwater cities and towns.
Let us now think a little about a world without humans: who would rule the Earth?
A “Planet of the Apes” is possibly the first hypothetical scenario to come to light, but Science suggests a different candidate: powder.
When imagining a world where humanity succumbs to extinction — whether due to war, climate change or other catastrophic events — some scientists are betting on intelligent marine invertebrates, supported by their extraordinary abilities, to succeed us on the throne.
Octopuses have the critical “physical and mental attributes” to evolve into a civilization-building species, believes Tim Coulsonfrom the University of Oxford, in an interview with .
The most “intelligent, adaptable and resourceful”
Coulson’s argument is based on the “dexterity, curiosity, ability to communicate with each other, and supreme intelligence” of octopuses, “the most intelligent, adaptable, and resourceful creatures on Earth.”
Their decentralized nervous systems, advanced neural structures, and problem-solving abilities enhance their ability to thrive in a changing world. Their abilities to manipulate objects, solve puzzles and almost perfect camouflage demonstrate their adaptability and intelligence.
Octopuses have a strong ability to survive in difficult environments. They are skilled hunters with a varied diet that includes clams, shrimp, fish and even birds.
Although their short lifespan — between 1.5 and five years — may seem disadvantageous, it can also accelerate their evolutionary development. Rapid reproduction and intellectual maturity may allow octopuses to quickly adapt to changing conditions, potentially giving them an advantage in long-term survival.
Professor Coulson acknowledges that octopuses are unlikely to evolve into land-based creatures, due to their lack of skeleton and the challenges of mobility on land. However, it foresees the possibility of octopuses creating underwater cities and settlements, reminiscent of human civilizations.
And why not primates?
Although primates are humanity’s closest relatives, Coulson argues that they are unlikely successors.
The same threats that could lead to human extinction — environmental changes, pandemics or resource depletion — would also endanger primates.
It is important to emphasize that these ideas remain speculative, given the unpredictability of the results of natural evolution. For now, humans can marvel at the octopus’ potential as a carrier of intelligent life on Earth.
