Book 1, Question 47 · Video
Why Do Octopuses Seem So Smart? Eight Clever Arms!
Octopuses have big brains for invertebrates, which helps them learn, remember and solve problems. Their arms are packed with neurons, so the arms can act on their own, and special
Read the full answer →What Crafty Clover says in this video
Intro
Hi! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. Why do octopuses seem so smart?
The Big Idea
Octopuses can solve puzzles, open jars, and even sneak out of their tanks! Why are they so clever? Big brains, clever arms, and super senses!
Big Brain
Step one: a big brain for an invertebrate. An invertebrate is an animal without a backbone, like a snail, a crab, or a jellyfish. Octopuses have a large, complex brain compared to other invertebrates. It helps them learn, remember, and solve problems!
Neurons in the Arms
Step two: extra neurons in the arms. An octopus's arms are packed with neurons, tiny cells that send signals. This lets each arm act partly on its own, while the brain gives the big instructions.
Taste and Grab
Step three: the arms can taste and grab. Special cells in their suckers can taste chemicals in the water. They feel, explore, and grab with amazing precision!
A Closer Look
Let's take a closer look at an octopus! The picture shows a brain up top, but a real octopus's main brain sits between its eyes. The big, round part is its mantle. It holds its hearts and other organs. Its keen eyes spot shapes and movement. And its eight arms are lined with hundreds of suckers.
Quick Facts
Quick facts! More than half of an octopus's neurons sit in its arms. That's like having eight smart helpers! Octopuses have three hearts, and blue blood! They can change color and texture in a blink, to hide, hunt, and stay safe. And some octopuses carry coconut shells around to use as a hiding place!
Think Like a Scientist
Now, think like a scientist! Watch closely. Can you spot the octopus hiding on the rocks? How does its skin match the color of the rocks? How does it match their bumpy texture? Why would hiding help an octopus?
Outro
Big brains, clever arms, and super senses make octopuses seem so smart! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!