Heidi the Octopus Learns to Communicate
In Heidi the Octopus Learns to Communicate, ecologist David Scheel conducts an exciting experiment inspired by a 1959 Harvard study, to test octopus cognition. This time, he wants to see if Heidi can manipulate a string outside her tank to turn on a light and bring him back into the room. Heidi masters the trick right away, pulling the string again and again, until David has to take it apart because she can’t stop! This video is excerpted from BBC’s Natural World: The Octopus in My House, a remarkable series about a professor and the extraordinary relationship he develops with an octopus when he invites it to live in his home.
Lesson Express
Q: Why do you think Heidi was able to learn how to pull the string so quickly? What does this tell us about octopus cognition?
A: Heidi was able to learn how to pull the string quickly because she was motivated by the reward (the light turning on and bringing David back into the room). This suggests that octopuses have advanced learning abilities and are capable of associating actions with outcomes.
Q: What might be the ethical considerations when conducting experiments like the one David Scheel did with Heidi?
A: The ethical considerations of such experiments include ensuring that the octopus is not harmed or stressed by the task, and that its environment is suitable for its well-being. Scientists must balance their desire for discovery with the responsibility to treat the animal with respect and care.
Q: What can we learn about human-animal relationships from Heidi’s experiment, particularly in terms of trust and communication?
A: Heidi’s interaction with David, where she repeatedly pulls the string to bring him back into the room, suggests that octopuses may form some level of bond or trust with humans. This interaction highlights the potential for communication between humans and animals, not just through physical touch or training, but through understanding each other’s actions.
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