Octopus Evolution
In Octopus Evolution, ecologist David Scheel describes the journey through the unique evolutionary history of octopuses, showing how these incredible creatures took a completely separate path from other life forms. In his class at Alaska Pacific University, he explains how, over half a billion years ago, octopuses and humans might have shared a common ancestor — but since then, octopuses developed their own specialized brain, heart, and eyes! 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 does David Scheel believe that octopuses and humans shared a common ancestor over half a billion years ago, despite evolving in such different ways?
A: David Scheel suggests that, like many animals, octopuses and humans might have evolved from a shared ancestor due to similar genetic origins early in Earth’s history. However, millions of years of separate evolution led each species down its own path, resulting in dramatically different adaptations that reflect their unique survival strategies.
Q: How might the fact that octopuses developed their own unique brain, heart, and eyes challenge our understanding of evolutionary biology?
A: The octopus’s distinct brain, heart, and eyes challenge traditional ideas of evolutionary biology by showing how different life forms can evolve complex features independently, without a direct link to other species. It raises questions about the flexibility of evolution and how environmental pressures can shape organisms in unexpected ways.
Q: How could the idea of a shared common ancestor between octopuses and humans help us better understand the connections between all living things?
A: The idea of a shared common ancestor suggests that all living creatures are connected in some way, even if they look and behave very differently. It helps us realize that life on Earth has evolved from common origins, and though species may seem completely different now, they share a distant evolutionary link.
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In The Octopus That Invented a Mobile Home, a veined octopus in Indonesia amazes researchers with its clever survival skills. Living on sandy ocean flats, it carries coconut shells to create a portable shelter. By using these shells to hide and ambush prey, the octopus becomes one of the rare animals — less than 1% — to demonstrate tool use and thinking ahead. 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.
In Giant Creatures of the Great Barrier Reef, narrator Sir David Attenborough explores how certain animals work together to find food. Teamwork makes the dream work for these largest animals in Australia's Great Barrier Reef! This video is excerpted from BBC’s Blue Planet II, a natural history series that explores the world's oceans, the animals that live in them, and the threats they face, using modern filming techniques and equipment to capture previously unseen areas of the ocean.
In The Underwater Adaptations of the Crab and the Octopus, narrator Sir David Attenborough explores how the crab and octopus survive. Learn how they have adapted to their environment, including hunting at night. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Blue Planet, a definitive documentary series diving into the mysterious depths of the sea to discover the natural history of the world’s oceans and the rarely seen marine life that reside there.
In The Home of the Dugong, narrator Sir David Attenborough explains that survival is not easy for animals that live outside the coral reef. Witness their defense mechanisms, and get to know the huge and gentle dugong. This video is excerpted from BBC's Planet Earth, a breathtaking documentary series that highlights the natural wonders of our planet.