Octopuses can have nightmares too [VIDEO]
(YouTube/New Scientist)
Zoologists have suspected that cephalopods can experience nightmares.
This theory is based on observations of a captive octopus named Costello, who displayed signs of distress during sleep.
Four instances were recorded where Costello abruptly changed color, moved randomly, and even expelled ink, possibly indicative of dream encounters with predators.
In humans and many other species, dreams occur during REM sleep, characterized by heightened brain activity and rapid eye movements.
This sleep phase has also been observed in several other vertebrates, cephalopods, and spiders, leading researchers to believe that these animals may also dream.
Deciphering the content of these dreams remains a challenge, but cephalopods' ability to change color based on mood provides unique insight.
BAD DREAMS ARE MADE OF THESE
During sleep, octopuses change color in a pattern that mirrors their waking behavior, suggesting that their dreams may replay real-life experiences.
Now, Eric A. Ramos from Rockefeller University led a team observing Costello's behavior over several months.
The octopus was recorded 24/7 via three cameras, which identified four distinct episodes of potentially nightmare-induced behavior.
In these episodes, Costello's color darkened, he moved randomly, and displayed behavior typical of an octopus evading predators or engaging in conflict, like flaring to appear larger.
Some episodes lasted for an average of 44 seconds, while one lasted 769 seconds.
Ramos and his team hypothesize that Costello's unusual sleep behaviors indicate nightmares.
When captured, Costello had three severely damaged limbs, likely from a predator encounter.
Previous studies suggest cephalopods can recall stressful or traumatic events, implying that Costello might be reliving the injury event in his sleep.
Ramos and his team caution that their interpretation of Costello's behavior is speculative and based on observations of a single, possibly neurologically afflicted, animal.
The prevalence of such nightmares in other octopuses remains unknown.
However, the insights gained from Costello's behavior highlight the need for further research into the dream experiences of cephalopods.
Sources:
- bioRxiv: https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.05.11.540348v1?rss=1
- NewScientist: https://www.newscientist.com/article/2373884-octopuses-may-have-nightmares-about-predators-attacking-them/
- YouTube:
Wanna relax, sleep or improve your focus?
Check this rain sound video: https://bit.ly/rainsfocus
#science #animals #octopus #deams #learnwithsteem #steemexclusive #nftmc