Researchers have long wondered how Octopus have evolved such intellectual powers, independently of other higher forms of animal, such as birds and mammals. The sequencing of the Octopus genome hoped to shed some light on this mystery, and when the genome was published in August, it offered more than a few surprises.
The genomes show that Octopi have the same few number of neurotransmitters as other mollusks. This limited collection of pieces to their nervous system should theoretically limit the ability to evolve an advanced intelligence.
Researchers also found two greatly expanded gene families in octopi that are not present in other mollusks: protocadherins, which push neurons to connect into bigger, more complex arrangements, and C2H2, known as Zinc finger transcription factors, giving the genome incredible precision to turn on and off other genes.
This could mean that Octopi are expressing genes in a more complicated way than say, a snail does. These two genomic factors are likely allowing the Octopi genome to build unique neural circuitry, giving them abilities like memory, planning, organization and even navigation.
