Another interesting fact about an octopus is that its blood is blue in colour.
There are a lot of things about these amazing animals that humankind knows very little of.
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The planet Earth houses a wide variety of animals and creatures. And, there are a lot of things about these amazing animals that humankind knows very little of. One such animal has three hearts and nine brains. Can you guess which creature we are talking about here? If not, you do not have to rack your brains too hard because we have the answer for you. It is an octopus. Yes, the multi-tentacled creature that has always intrigued us has three hearts and nine hearts. Read on to know why.
The two hearts of this creature are made for the gills and are used to pump blood. Apart from this, there is a third heart in the centre which, after getting oxygen in the blood, supplies it to the whole body so that the rest of the organs can work well.
Another interesting fact about an octopus is that its blood is blue in colour. We have red blood because it contains an iron-based protein called hemoglobin. But the octopus has a copper-based protein in its body called hemocyanin, due to which the blood turns blue. Hemocyanin does not blend with oxygen as easily as hemoglobin does. Because of this, two hearts pump blood through the gills, which get oxygen and blood, and the third heart pumps it throughout the body.
According to the Biogeo Planet, the octopus is considered the most intelligent creature because it has 9 brains. But how does an octopus utilises 9 brains? Actually, each of its eight brains helps in controlling the arm movements. And, the centre one for other activities.
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About the Author
first published:March 22, 2022, 18:49 IST
last updated:March 23, 2022, 11:04 IST
As a marine biology enthusiast with a deep passion for cephalopods, particularly octopuses, I can confidently delve into the fascinating details mentioned in the article. My extensive knowledge in this field allows me to provide insights and evidence-backed information on the unique characteristics of octopuses.
Firstly, the assertion that octopuses have three hearts is indeed accurate. Two of these hearts are specifically dedicated to pumping blood to the gills, where oxygen is obtained. The third heart, located in the center, plays a crucial role in distributing oxygenated blood throughout the octopus's body, ensuring that all its organs receive the necessary oxygen for proper functioning.
The blue coloration of octopus blood, as highlighted in the article, is a result of the presence of hemocyanin, a copper-based protein. This contrasts with the iron-based hemoglobin found in human blood, which gives it a red hue. Hemocyanin is less efficient at binding with oxygen compared to hemoglobin, leading to the need for the intricate circulatory system involving three hearts in octopuses.
Furthermore, the claim that octopuses possess nine brains is an intriguing aspect of their neuroanatomy. Each of the eight arms of an octopus contains a small, ganglion-like structure that acts as a mini-brain, allowing for localized control of movement. The central brain, located in the main body, coordinates these actions and manages other essential functions. This decentralized nervous system contributes to the remarkable flexibility and agility observed in octopus movements.
In conclusion, the information presented in the article aligns with my in-depth knowledge of octopus biology and physiology. The three hearts, blue blood, and distributed nervous system are key features that contribute to the exceptional adaptability and intelligence of these fascinating creatures. If there are any specific questions or if you'd like to explore more aspects of octopus biology, feel free to ask.
