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Student Article

Why Mother Octopuses Die After Laying Eggs

By: Stuart Blackman
Originally Published in  Discover Wildlife

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.
Student Article Info

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.

Grades:
3-56-89-12
Subject:
Science
Topic:
Life Science
Keywords
octopus reproductionoptic glandanimal behaviorself-sacrificemarine life
Close-up of an octopus
© Getty

Most passages are available in three different versions: Level 1 (Grade 3-5), Level 2 (Grade 6-8), and Level 3 (Grade 9-12). Some more complex texts are available only in Level 2 and Level 3. Use the versions that are most appropriate for the students in your class.

Note: The BBC Learning Hub Editorial Team made use of AI tools to create multiple versions of this article, each tailored to different student reading levels. Every version undergoes a thorough review by our BBC Learning editors to ensure accuracy, quality, and appropriateness.

1
Level 1 Reading Passage
Grades: 3-5Lexile Level: 400-600L
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2
Level 2 Reading Passage
Grades: 6-8Lexile Level: 700L-900L
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3
Level 3 Reading Passage
Grades: 9-12Lexile Level: 900-1100L
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