I have long been fascinated by the sheer 'alien' quality of the octopus. This remarkable animal essentially does not belong on this planet in many respects. So where did this cephalopod (if it is even that) come from?
Europa, a moon of Jupiter, along with Enceladus—also a moon of Saturn—both present strong evidence of liquid oceans beneath their ice crusts. The image above shows plumes of water ice and vapor spraying from multiple locations along the famed "tiger stripes" near the south pole of Enceladus. The same phenomenon happens on Europa. To an even greater degree.
Experiments have suggested that if these oceans support life, via signatures of that life in organic molecules (e.g. amino acids, nucleic acids, etc.), then complex animals could survive under the surface ice. Regardless of the harsh radiation surrounding these bodies.
ARE ALIENS ALREADY HERE AND IN OUR SEAS AND OCEANS?
Octopuses have 33,000 genes, roughly 10,000 more than humans. Cognitively, they are uncannily clever, with the ability to open jars, solve puzzles, and even use tools. Octopuses have a somewhat similar set of genes to those found in humans, that make up a neural network in their brains, which accounts for their quick ability to adapt and learn. Octopuses and humans also share a large neurological mass, a closed circulatory system, and eyes with an iris, retina, and lens.
The octopus changes its skin colors, patterns, and textures within milliseconds. If this was not already mind-blowing enough, the octopus can improve its genetic code, as well as edit its RNA as needed. This allows them to adapt their nervous system to withstand the extreme cold and colossal pressures of the deep ocean. They also have nine networked brains, along with the ability to use their suckers to sense their environment like the human sense of taste. Yet this sensory ability is something completely different from what the human five senses can detect. In other words, the octopus is like no other creature on this planet and has been here for longer than most other organisms.
Did they come from Europa? Thrown up from from the inner oceans as eggs and instantly frozen by the cold of space? Then they ‘seeded’ the earth with their frozen cryogenic craft after they entered the earth’s atmosphere and then landed into our oceans? Certainly, when one considers H.P. Lovecraft's strong associations between highly intelligent marine creatures and outer space beings it does make one think.
I always felt as much. I worked in an aquarium for a while many years ago and the only creature in there I felt I had an actual relationship with was the octopus. It responded to me over time. Whereas the others didn’t seem to care who was feeding or caring for them.
Myself and my husband went to Greece last year and I specifically asked him not to eat octopus because I’d be too upset. I didn’t know why I had to do that. Amazing creatures.
Interesting stuff. I could do with a few extra brains here this morning. Coffee incoming!