Octopus!

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No one understands the octopus. With eight arms, three hearts, and camouflaging skin, it appears utterly alien. These creatures have captivated humans throughout history, inspiring myths, art, and cuisine. Despite our fascination and extensive research, the octopus remains enigmatic. Katherine Harmon Courage, a veteran journalist and editor for Scientific American, explores the underwater world of the octopus through her global adventures in Spain, Greece, and Brooklyn. She reveals scientific discoveries and cultural connections to these remarkable beings. You'll learn that the oldest known fossilized octopus dates back 296 million years, predating dinosaurs. Government agencies are funding labs to replicate the octopus's camouflage techniques. Interestingly, about two-thirds of an octopus's brain capacity is distributed throughout its arms, giving each one a mind of its own. They excel in intelligence tests, such as opening childproof bottles and solving mazes, and can recognize individual people. Remarkably, octopuses can change colors and textures in milliseconds to blend into their surroundings, yet there’s no evidence they see in color. Courage skillfully combines personal narrative with expert interviews, resulting in an engaging and scientifically grounded exploration of the octopus and its complex world.