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Octopus

E.T. (Eight Tentacles)

Arts, Culture & Media

Want to know what it’s like to meet an alien? Introduce yourself to an octopus.

Octopus tricks

This octopus preys — and mates — a little differently

Environment
The "Octopus Church" is an octagonal church on the island of Moorea in French Polynesia. It's built over a ceremonial site for an octopus deity.

The octopus church of French Polynesia may have you rethink your next seafood dinner

Environment
The World

The tiny nautilus may help illuminate the history of brain development

Environment
The World

Octopuses and other cephalopods are masters of optical illusion

Environment
The World

Octopuses and other cephalopods are masters of optical illusion

Environment

Cephalopod camouflage is amazing and mysterious and has to be seen to be believed. It may also be proof that human sight has a long way to go.

How smart is too smart to eat?

Environment

A chain of aquariums in Britain is urging people to stop eating octopus, as researchers learn just how smart the sea creatures really are.

Campaign to Prevent People from Eating Octopus

Global Politics

In Britain, a national chain of aquariums is urging people to not eat octopus. According to campaigners, octopi have intelligence and problem-solving abilities comparable to dogs.

The World

Befriending An Octopus

Writer Sy Montgomery embraces a giant Pacific octopus named Octavia. Scientists believe these strange creatures have emotions, intelligence, and individual personalities.

The World

Paul the Octopus dies

Arts, Culture & Media

The soccer world is in mourning today. Paul the Octopus has passed away at his aquarium in the German city of Oberhausen. He apparently died of natural causes. BBC’s Matt Cole has more.