Octopus genome reveals cephalopod secrets

[Panich52]

Octopus genome reveals cephalopod secrets

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/08/150812134251.htm

Imagine a skeleton-less creature with three hearts, with most of its nearly half a billion neurons distributed in eight tentacular arms. Each arm can regenerate like the mythical Hydra and has a mind of its own. Its muscles stiffen into temporary elbows and shoulders. This creature has the eerie capability of perfect camouflage and decorates its lair with leftovers of its prey.

[exboyfil]

1. Could octopii be uplifted to sentience?

Could they ever evolved to be land dwelling, and thus to technological tool use?

[WestCoastLib]

2. Do we know they aren't sentient already?

Who knows? It's interesting that their nervous system is so different from others. It's possible that the makeup of their brain, with so much devoted to the manipulation of so many extremities and physical changes (deforming arms, color changes for camouflage) wouldn't lend itself to developing a more existential thought process or self awareness.

[GaYellowDawg]

3. They almost sound like Niven's Jotoki.

From the Man-Kzin or Known Space universe. Sounds like he based the Jotoki on octopi more than he knew.