Octomom

7 snips

Sep 27, 2024

Bruce Robison, a deep-sea explorer from the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute, shares the captivating story of Octomom, an octopus who devoted four years to brood her eggs in the depths of the ocean. Listeners learn about her incredible sacrifices, including defending against predators while facing starvation. Robison's insights reveal the complexities of octopus motherhood, drawing poignant parallels to human experiences. This narrative blends science and emotion, showcasing the resilience and beauty of life beneath the waves.

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ANECDOTE

Octomom Discovery

In 2007, Bruce Robison's team discovered an octopus brooding her eggs a mile under the ocean.
Returning over several months, they observed her dedicated motherhood.

INSIGHT

Octomom's Scientific Significance

Deep-sea octopuses' brooding periods were unknown before Octomom.
This makes Octomom's behavior scientifically significant.

ANECDOTE

Octopus Reproduction

Octopuses generally don't eat while brooding, leading to starvation.
Yan Wong, an octopus expert, explains this reproductive strategy.

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A mile under the ocean, we get to watch an octopus perform a heroic act of heart and determination.

First aired back in 2020, this episode follows the story of an octopus living one mile under the ocean as she performs a heroic act of heart and determination.

In 2007, Bruce Robison’s robot submarine stumbled across an octopus settling in to brood her eggs. It seemed like a small moment. But as he went back to visit her, month after month, what began as a simple act of motherhood became a heroic feat that has never been equaled by any known species on Earth.

This episode was reported and produced by Annie McEwen.

Special thanks to Kim Fulton-Bennett and Rob Sherlock at the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute.

Support Radiolab today at Radiolab.org/donate.

If you need more ocean in your life, check out the incredible Monterey Bay Aquarium live cams (especially the jellies!): www.montereybayaquarium.org/animals/live-cams

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