The discussion centers around the origins of an octopus drawing, specifically referencing the profile picture of user nsaspook on the Microchip forum. Participants express curiosity about the intelligence of octopuses, with a humorous misunderstanding about them being trained to draw. The conversation also touches on the cultural impact of Paul the Octopus, a famous psychic octopus known for predicting sports outcomes, and mentions criticisms from figures like Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. The intelligence of octopuses is highlighted, with historical accounts of their ability to escape tanks and navigate environments.
PREREQUISITESMarine biologists, animal behaviorists, cultural historians, and anyone interested in the intersection of animal intelligence and popular culture.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_the_Octopusberkeman said:Dagnabit! I clicked into this thread thinking that someone had trained an octopus to draw! They are supposed to be pretty intelligent, after all.
Paul's notoriety attracted criticism from the President of Iran, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who accused him of being a symbol of Western decadence and decay.[28] Ahmadinejad went on to say that "Those who believe in this type of thing cannot be the leaders of the global nations that aspire, like Iran, to human perfection, basing themselves in the love of all sacred values."fresh_42 said:
Octopuseses....er...octopi....um....octopodses...er...whatever...are very smart. There are multiple reports (some going back almost 200 years) of them leaving their tanks, going to another to feed, and then returning.berkeman said: