Scientists believe they have discovered some key information about the octopus brain. For centuries, we have known that octopus is smarter than everyday invertebrates, yet we never really understand why. Now, researchers have published a new study that not only provides some illuminating answers, but also shocks scientists at their findings.
The brain of an octopus has similarities with the human brain
The human genome contains a large number of genes, which we call transposons or jumping genes. These genes can replicate themselves and even move in the human genome. But not every gene is active, and most scientists think they are the original bits left over from evolution. Now, scientists have found similar jumping genes in a similar part of the octopus brain.
Biologist Giovanna Ponte shared in a press release: "When I saw a very strong signal of the activity of this element in the vertical leaf under a microscope, I literally jumped up in the chair." Ponte introduced that the vertical leaf is the structure of the brain, which is the location of the learning and cognitive abilities of the octopus. Furthermore, it is very similar to the hippocampus we see in the human brain.
Ponte, who works at the Stazione Zoology Anton Dohrn Institute in Italy, says these genes may be the reason why octopuses are so smart. Finding these jumping genes in the brain of octopus can help us better understand their intelligence. Furthermore, researchers believe that we may be looking at an example of convergence evolution of .
What is convergent evolution?
Convergent evolution refers to the development of traits in two independent species and provide the same adaptability. In this case, transposons provide superior cognitive abilities in the octopus' brain, as does the human brain. However, these two species have nothing to do with each other. In fact, some people even think that the octopus may be an alien—another possible explanation for its intelligence.
Scientists are continuing to study octopus. Therefore, they still found neural responses in the octopus' brains, and even evolutionary techniques made them stand out from other invertebrates. Based on these findings, the brain structure of octopus is more similar to that of mammals than invertebrates. This helps make these organisms even more fascinating to scientists.
In fact, the researchers published a paper in BMC Biology as early as May 2022 to introduce their findings. Not only has the discovery of jumping genes been intriguing, but researchers say this could completely change our understanding of genes.
Although scientists have now found them in the brain of octopus and may find evidence that the gene's purpose is not just to copy molecular data and move it, it is still unclear what this evidence is--even what other uses of the gene are.
