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249 | Peter Godfrey-Smith on Sentience and Octopus Minds

Sean Carroll's Mindscape: Science, Society, Philosophy, Culture, Arts, and Ideas

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Octopus Intelligence and Evolutionary Insights

This chapter explores the cognitive abilities of octopuses, examining their unique problem-solving skills that differ from mammals and birds. It highlights the evolutionary history shared with humans and the implications of brain structure and function, tracing back to their common ancestor around 600 million years ago. The discussion also reflects on the evolutionary milestones that contributed to the diversity and complexity of life during the Ediacaran period and beyond.

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