Oxford experts say octopuses likely to inherit Earth

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 2 Nov, 14:36 · Archive

Oxford University experts say octopuses possess the physical and mental attributes to become the dominant species if humanity dies out.

Oxford University experts have said octopuses are likely to become the dominant species on Earth if humanity dies out through war or climate change. The marine invertebrates possess the 'physical and mental attributes necessary' to evolve into a civilisation-building species, according to Professor Tim Coulson of Oxford University.

Professor Coulson said their 'dexterity, curiosity, ability to communicate with each other, and supreme intelligence' mean they could create complex tools to build an underwater civilisation. He noted that octopuses, which can breathe for 30 minutes out of water, are 'unlikely' to become full land animals but are clever enough to extend their time on land to develop new hunting methods.

Professor Coulson said the cephalopods were in 'pole position' to colonise the world in the event humanity dies out, suggesting primates would face the same extinction challenges. Over millions of years, he claimed, octopuses could develop their own land-based hunting methods similar to how humans have hunted at sea, potentially including SCUBA-like breathing apparatus.

How it is being reported

• Octopuses 'likely to take over world' say Oxford University expertsOxford University experts say that octopuses are likely to take over the world after humans.Oxford Mail · 2 Nov, 14:00
• Octopuses 'likely to take over world' say Oxford University expertsOxford University experts say that octopuses are likely to take over the world after humans.Oxfordshire Guardian · 2 Nov, 14:00

In this story: Oxford University · Professor Tim Coulson

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