Octopuses poised to rise as Earth's future dominant species
Scientists say a species must demonstrate specific physical and mental characteristics to survive a global catastrophe. Octopuses possess exceptional traits that make them the most resilient to life in the extreme conditions of our planet.
Scientists suggest that octopuses could become the dominant species on Earth after humans go extinct. Professor Tim Coulson from Oxford University believes their unique qualities, such as "dexterity, curiosity, ability to communicate with each other, and supreme intelligence," give them considerable potential to develop an advanced civilization.
Thanks to their intelligence and problem-solving abilities, octopuses could develop complex tools and create an underwater civilization with structures as intricate as those created by humans.
Coulson added that even though octopuses are unlikely to transform into entirely land-dwelling animals, they could develop abilities to live outside water for longer periods, allowing them to devise new hunting and survival techniques in changing conditions. Octopuses already exhibit adaptive abilities that could enable them to adjust to new, challenging conditions on Earth.
The professor also emphasized that although primates have long been seen as potential "human successors" due to their close relationship with humans and advanced intelligence, they will have to face the same survival challenges affecting our species.
In this context, just like humans, primates may eventually go extinct. Ultimately, other species more adapted to the changing world, such as octopuses, may become the new dominant beings on the planet.
The professor stressed, however, that such predictions are merely speculative. Evolution is unpredictable, and the future of species after humanity's extinction is difficult to determine.
