Brains On! Science podcast for kids

Why are octopuses so smart?

Nov 4, 2025
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INSIGHT

Octopus Brains Work Like Ours

  • Octopus brains process information like ours using neurons, but are relatively large for their bodies.
  • Their nervous system supports complex sensing, learning, and motor control without matching human social cognition.
INSIGHT

Arms Handle The Details

  • The central brain issues general commands while arms handle detailed movements locally.
  • Arms compute bending, aiming suckers, and grabbing without constant central micromanagement.
ANECDOTE

Octopus Shorted Out A Light

  • At Seattle Aquarium an octopus shorted out a light by jetting water at it to stop the brightness.
  • The octopus targeted the light with its flexible funnel and successfully disabled it.
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