BY: VALERIE ANN DISMAYA
An octopus might look like one of the most intimidating creatures in the ocean, but behind its strange appearance lies a fascinating biological secret, it has not just one, but three hearts.
Marine scientists explained that octopuses have existed for about 330 million years.
The earliest known species, called Vampyropods, were among the first soft-bodied sea creatures or cephalopods discovered in ancient seas.
According to the Natural History Museum, the octopus’ eight arms are its most powerful tools.
These limbs allow it to cling tightly to rocks, open shells with ease, and manipulate objects underwater.
But what’s even more remarkable is that it has three hearts.
The National Institutes of Health explained that one, called the systemic heart, pumps blood throughout the body, while the two smaller branchial hearts send blood to the gills for oxygenation.
Interestingly, when an octopus swims, its main heart actually stops beating, one reason it prefers crawling rather than swimming to conserve energy.
Marine biologists also found that octopuses possess impressive memory and problem-solving abilities.
They can change the color and texture of their skin through chromatophores, specially designed cells that act like a built-in camouflage system.
Despite their intelligence, octopuses have short lifespans, usually living only one to two years.
Female octopuses die shortly after laying eggs, completing a short yet extraordinary life beneath the waves.
