Good ideas and conversation. No ads, no tracking. Login or Take a Tour!
Here is a thought experiment (as it is not very practical):
Attempt to evolve a mutation of the octopus that is subject to predators with unusual band sensory apparatus (e.g. infra-red). Would mind hacking continue or is the octopus rendered defenseless?
My guess is that the octopus would be defenseless. That is, unless the octopus is taking advantage of a process where the infrared and 'visible' spectrum were dealt with similarly; i.e. if the visual cortex was agnostic to absolute wavelength. -I doubt the octopus can modulate it's heat signature as it does its reflection. But heat radiates pretty poorly in water anyway. :)
Many fish use electroreception. I have to wonder if the octopus can't create some sort of similar electrical field camoflauge as well.