Category: Invertebrates
These marine invertebrates are known for the dazzling calcified colonies they create as they multiply and grow. Each colony is a collection of genetically identical coral organisms (polyps) that create their own calcium carbonate compartments which accumulate into the large skeletons we associate with coral reefs. Similar in structure to sea anemones, they capture tiny live prey with their tentacles as well as obtaining nutrients from symbiotic alga (zooxanthellae) that live within their tissues. Corals are very sensitive to pollution, blast-fishing, ocean-acidification, temperature change, and other disruptions to their environment.
Cephalopods: Masterminds of the Ocean.
Octopi, cuttlefish, and squids - all cephalopods - have been observed engaging in amazing feats of intelligence (perhaps unsurprising, as cuttlefish and octopuses have the highest brain-to-body mass of all invertebrates). Their suction-cup covered arms are dexterous, and octopuses have been observed putting them to use throwing rocks, opening screw-top jars, even picking up and gathering coconut shells to build fortresses for themselves. Squids, for their part, have been observed hunting cooperatively and are able to communicate with one another via color changes, patterns, and flashing to one another - sometimes using different sides of their bodies to broadcast different signals to multiple squids! Just how smart are they? As they are typically elusive and so very different from humans, we aren’t sure yet - but we do know the question is not “Are they intelligent?” but “How intelligent are they?”
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