Octopuses are capable of learning and remembering from "summary" of The Soul of an Octopus by Sy Montgomery
Octopuses are capable of learning and remembering. They are not just instinct-driven creatures; they possess intelligence. They can solve puzzles and figure out how to open jars to get at the food inside. They can navigate mazes and remember the way out, even weeks later. They can recognize individual humans and interact with them in a playful manner. One remarkable story in the book involves an octopus named Athena. Athena had been trained to solve puzzles by the aquarist Scott. She quickly mastered the challenges presented to her and even began to show signs of anticipation, suggesting that she was not just following a set of programmed responses but actively thinking about how to solve the puzzles. This ability to learn and adapt is a clear indication of the octopus's intelligence. Another example of an octopus's memory capabilities is showcased in the story of Octavia. Octavia was a giant Pacific octopus who lived at the New England Aquarium. She had a distinctive personality and was known for her playful interactions with visitors. One day, after being moved to a new tank, Octavia recognized an old friend who had visited her in her previous home. She reached out tentatively towards the visitor, demonstrating that she remembered the person and associated positive feelings with them. These stories illustrate the depth of the octopus's cognitive abilities. They are not simply reacting to stimuli in a programmed manner; they are actively engaging with their environment, learning from their experiences, and remembering past interactions. This capacity for learning and memory challenges the traditional view of octopuses as primitive creatures and highlights the complexity of their inner lives.
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