Why Mother Octopuses Die After Laying Eggs
Female octopuses stop eating and die after laying their eggs — but this extreme behavior may help protect their babies from harm.
The article "Why Mother Octopuses Die After Laying Eggs" from BBC's Discover Wildlife explains the mysterious behavior of female octopuses, who stop eating and die after reproducing. The article explores how the optic gland triggers this self-destructive behavior and suggests it may protect baby octopuses from being eaten by their own mothers.
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BBC's Discover Wildlife brings you closer to nature with expert advice, conservation news, the best nature writing and stunning wildlife photography. Learn more about subscriptions here.
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