Have you ever been scared of an octopus uprising? Well, you probably should be, they are awesome and mighty, but terrifying, creatures. With the hundreds of books written about them and features or full documentaries, a common one being My Octopus Teacher on Netflix, we’ve learned more and more about them– except their commonly debated plural form. Dictionary.com says it’s acceptable for the plural form of octopus to be either octopuses or octopi, and rarely octopodes, which for this group, checks out.
One of the most cunning earth-dwelling creatures, the aliens of the sea if you will, use their problem solving and tool using skills, memories (including holding grudges), and psychological tricks against their prey to rule the waters. Their prey tends to fall under the category of smaller ocean animals, like snails, mussels, crabs, and fish, etc, but that doesn’t take us off the menu.
Octopi have a central brain in their oversized, flappy heads and one in each spindle-y arm, which means their arms act independently, but sometimes they can coordinate with each other. Their invertebrate bodies can fit in 1” spaces (aka through doors or down drains).
My favorite fact is that our common ancestor with octopuses existed before the dinosaurs, which means that their independence and intelligence developed separately from us, unlike apes. You know what that means? Opposition. Sure, we may be a more socially developed species that has to deal with politics, wars, arguments, and general conflict. Octopodes– living a simpler life– have time to devise their plan and strategy, perfecting their walk on land, which, horrifyingly, some species can do. Don’t forget one of the most important factors when talking about octopi taking over the world– they hold grudges. If I was a simple (but very complicated) ocean dwelling creature, I would hold a grudge against people who eat me and pollute my home. We better watch out.
