The Octopus: Future ruler of the Earth?
 

Yes, that's right. The humble octopus are actually more intelligent then anyone originally thought, and according to several scientists and marine biologists, they are evolving, albeit slowly. They can learn, remember, and often use cognitive reasoning over instinct. Their nervous system is even comparable to that of humans.

For example, here is a clip of an experiment involving two octopi, one trained and one not, and a sealed box with a crab in it:






As you see from this video, octopi have many skills similar to us. They, physically, are not the strongest animals in the ocean, but are very smart and adaptable. More then primates. Perhaps more so then dolphins, even.

They're like the marine version of humans. :D

Here's another clip showing the adaptability of some of them:






My sister and I found out about these magnificent creatures with a documentary, 'Aliens of the Deep Sea'. Here's a link:
Aliens of the Deep Sea: The Nature of Things with David Suzuki : CBC-TV

The first new sentient species we encounter could very well come from our planet! :awesome: :party:

We have to introduce ourselves to them, say "Let's be friends" and shake hands and tentacles. ;)

Seriously, the narrator finished by saying that we should be friends with our Cephalopod intellectual cousins. And why not?

if they ever do become intelligent enough to know that we've been eating them for a long time, then i don't think the friendship will last long :xD: but damn the octopus are smart.

Heee! I'm so glad other people saw that program, it was glorious. I had no idea that they were that smart - and now they are living in groups and learning from each other and-

I for one welcome our new cephalopod overlords.

You watched it too!
*high four*

All hail the cephalopods!

I did! My sister and I caught the ad nearly a week ago and went "WE'RE WATCHING THAT!"

She wants to skip out next week's episode on the giant jelly-fish, though. Whimp ;)

Last thing I want is their king (The Kraken) to eat us all so let's stop eating them.

I second that motion. I'm going to eat lobster and fish instead. :P
The Kraken seems more like a Giant Squid though.
@Ashen Key: I had no idea that the Aliens of The Deep documentary was more than a one part series. *awesome* Yes now there is something decent to watch on Saturday night!

When Octopi start eating fried humans, they will officially be rules of the world. Until then, no where near close...cool vids tho

I never heard about this special, but for years I've aspired to have a pet octopus someday. They don't live socially in the wild, but because they hunt in so many different locations and environments (like humans), they acquired all the intelligence to be adaptable. Even though they aren't social animals naturally, if they are put together, they'll form social classes and learn from each other. Also, unrelated to their intelligence, I like how they can sneak out of their enclosures and walk around :D

Oh, you should have called.

Hanging out with a Pacific Giant at 50 feet is fun. You should try it some time. OwO

Next time I run into one I want to teach it to play chess.

That would be pretty cool. I wonder if it could beat one of us at chess?

They do off the coast of Capri! It's a new thing, but they are now starting to live together.

inb4 "I've seen enough Hentai to know where this is going." :xD:

More seriously, that was amazing, I didn't know octopi were so smart. I wonder how long it will take them to evolve sentience.

I think I've heard scientists say it could be hundreds of thousands of years before they can rival our intelligence..