What species could reign on Earth if all humans disappeared? It is this question worthy of a science fiction film that scientists have tried to answer. And their answer is surprising to say the least: according to several experts, it is indeed octopuses that could dominate the Earth after our extinction. Although it seems unrealistic, these sea creatures have exceptional abilities that position them to become the next civilizational species, should humanity become extinct.
Impressive intelligence
Octopuses have extraordinary cognitive abilities. Professor Tim Coulson, from the University of Oxford, explains to The European that these creatures are among the most intelligent on the planet. “Their problem-solving skills, ability to manipulate objects and camouflage suggest they could evolve into a species capable of building a civilization”he declares.
Their decentralized nervous system, distributed across their arms, allows them great autonomy and exceptional flexibility, for example to coordinate their movements independently and manipulate complex objects while reacting quickly to various stimuli.
In addition, their curiosity and ability to learn show that they have impressive potential for development. These traits make them, according to the scientist, serious candidates to occupy a dominant place in a world without humans.
Unique adaptation skills
Octopuses are experts at adaptation. Their flexible bodies allow them to survive in a wide variety of habitats, from deep seabed to coastal waters. They can also breathe outside of water for 30 minutes, giving them a distinct advantage if their aquatic environment is disturbed.
According to Tim Coulson, it is even possible, with a little imagination, that these creatures could develop devices similar to our diving equipment to extend their stay outside of water, and thus explore new horizons.
“Octopuses could, in the long term, develop breathing devices, like our diving equipment, to survive outside of water”he asserts. Although they are unlikely to become land animals like humans, they could evolve to hunt terrestrial prey and colonize new ecosystems.
And the primates in all this?
Primates have long been considered the natural successors of humans. However, Tim Coulson believes that they would be as vulnerable as us to threats like climate change. “They depend on tight communities to survive, which would make them less able to cope in a disrupted world”he explains.
Their social system, although effective in a stable world, could become a liability in a destabilized environment, making them less adaptable to rapid changes. In addition, their slow reproduction and their vulnerability to predators limit their ability to colonize new territories. Octopuses, on the contrary, are more independent. They do not need rigid social structures to thrive, which allows them to adapt more easily to unforeseen situations.
These cephalopods also have the advantage of not needing strict communities to survive. Their autonomy and their ability to evolve individually give them greater flexibility in the face of a disrupted world. This would allow them to thrive in an environment where other species, such as primates, would struggle to adapt.
Could octopuses replace humans? “Absolutely”concludes, affirmatively, Tim Coulson.
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