Biology
What makes octopuses so intelligent?
Quick fact
Octopuses can solve puzzles, open containers, recognise individuals, and learn through observation.
Why this is interesting
An octopus has a brain unlike almost any other animal, with a nervous system partly distributed throughout its arms.
Read the full explanation
Understanding What makes octopuses so intelligent?
Much of an octopus's nervous system is located in its arms, allowing them to process information and respond independently.
A deeper explanation
Octopus intelligence evolved separately from vertebrate intelligence, showing that complex problem-solving and curiosity can emerge through very different biological pathways.