I, for one, will bow to our new cephalopod overlords.

[scalyblue]

http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn18281-octopuses-use-coconut-shells-as-portable-shelters.html

Apparently octopuses have discovered tool use.

 

[richi1173]

They look so adorable in their little huts =]

But I guess we can't eat octopus anymore =/

 

[jrparri]

But I guess we can't eat octopus anymore =/

Nonsense! Now it just means our Octopus Luau is self-serving!

 

[Jorick]

I, too, will bow to our cephalopod overlords. The mighty octopi will crush all resistance with their adorable coconut shell shields.

Also, I was going to ask here if anyone else thought this was just like hermit crabs and thus not really tool use... Then I read the entire article and saw that they made the same comparison but showed how it was different. Cool coincidence. :lol:

 

[Aught3]

Also, I was going to ask here if anyone else thought this was just like hermit crabs and thus not really tool use... Then I read the entire article and saw that they made the same comparison but showed how it was different. Cool coincidence. :lol:

Huh, I did exactly the same thing.

Did anyone else remember that octopi are supposed to be stupid and can't actually remember how to open the lids on jars even after being taught how to numerous times?

 

[Giant Blue Anteater]

I, for one, will bow to our new cephalopod overlords.

I do not think it is time to worry until they start selectively breeding other animals to be their tools or if they manage to produce intelligent land forms and start sharpening sticks into spears with their beaks, or, worse yet, if they making spears out of driftwood.

But anyway, it is no surprise to me that an animal as intelligent as an octopus can figure out how to make a portable home out of coconut halves. I'll start being impressed if they can group together and start communicating with each other via their chromatophores, and we'll already be in trouble then! Because that will lead to even greater endeavors, such as the ones described above.

 

[nasher168]

Unfortunately, they have probably been doing this sort of thing for thousands of years, but only just been observed now. If it was a recent technological advancement on their part, I would find it a lot more interesting. Still, if it turns out they have a complex communication system, I will take a lot of notice, as that means potential for civilisation at some point in the distant future.