Independent Tentacles: How an Octopus Controls Its «Limbs» 0 83

Scientists from the University of Washington (USA) studied the nervous system of two species of cephalopods — the giant Pacific octopus (Enteroctopus dofleini) and the red octopus (Octopus rubescens). The aim of the research was to understand how the mollusks' tentacles interact with their brains, reports Science Daily.

During the experiments, the octopuses were offered cubes and other small objects, and were placed in mazes with hidden treats. The results showed that the tentacles have their own nervous system. The octopus is actually unaware of the exact position of its 'limbs'.

"The octopus's tentacles have a neural ring that allows them to coordinate movements independently of the brain," explained one of the study's authors, Dominic Sivitilli.