It has 9 brains! can edit genes, but why hasn t civilization developed?

Mondo Science Updated on 2024-02-01

Octopuses, mysterious sea creatures, have fascinated scientists with their unique physiology and behavior. They have 9 brains and can edit genes, which is a huge IQ! But you know what? Although octopuses are extremely intelligent, they have not built a brilliant civilization like humans.

The brain structure of the octopus is ingenious, with a master brain in charge of the overall situation, located in the head; The 8 appendages have their own duties, hidden deep in the roots of the tentacles. These appendages are like tiny tactile brains that operate independently, ready to help the octopus cope with various unexpected situations. With such a super brain configuration, the octopus can certainly respond quickly to changes in the environment and swim with ease.

Gene editing capabilities are also the secret of the octopus**. Although their genome contains only about 32,000 genes, which is much less than the number of genes in humans, octopuses are able to edit RNA and adjust their genes on their own. It's like having a magical "gene controller" that allows the octopus to evolve like a fish in water and easily adapt to various environmental challenges.

When it comes to behavior, octopuses are even more amazing. They use tools, solve problems, and even escape predators. For example, when it comes to difficult food, they will use coconut shells as tools; When in danger, they can quickly change color and texture, easily avoiding predators. This IQ and this skill are simply against the sky!

However, despite their intelligence, octopuses have not been able to develop a civilization like humans. When you think about it, civilization requires a complex set of supporting conditions such as language, symbolic systems, social structures, and a spirit of cooperation. These are precisely what octopuses lack. First, they do not have a complex and efficient language and symbolic system to transmit information and pass on knowledge. Secondly, although octopuses can form certain social groups, their social structure is far less complex and orderly than that of human society. Finally, octopuses lack the spirit of cooperation like humans and are more siloed.

Despite their high intelligence and gene-editing abilities, octopuses have failed to develop a civilization like humans. This makes us realize that wisdom is not the only condition for the development of civilization, but also needs the support of complex social structure, cultural inheritance and spirit of cooperation. This also makes us cherish the precious characteristics of human civilization even more, and inspires us with the determination and courage to continue to explore and develop civilization.

The octopus also reminds us that the biological world is far more diverse than we can imagine. Each creature has its own unique survival strategy and intelligence, which is worthy of our in-depth study and learning. In the process of exploring the biological world, we also have a better understanding of ourselves and understand that the development of human civilization is not an easy task, but the crystallization of the wisdom and efforts of countless sages.

In the future, with the continuous development of science and technology, we may be able to find ways to help high-IQ creatures such as octopuses develop civilizations. However, while promoting the development of civilization, we should always maintain a sense of reverence for nature and life, and respect the way of life and choices of every living being. Only in this way can we jointly build a harmonious and beautiful home on the earth, so that all kinds of intelligent creatures can prosper and develop together.

In addition, studying the intelligence of creatures such as octopuses also has an important enlightening role for human education and the development of artificial intelligence. We can learn from the valuable experience of these creatures, explore more human-like educational methods, and cultivate innovative and cooperative talents. At the same time, we can also learn from the intelligent characteristics of creatures such as octopuses to provide new ideas and directions for the development of artificial intelligence, so that science and technology can better serve human society.

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