How does intelligence benefit the squid?

[theHandpuppet]

Okay, that may seem like an odd question but I'm serious. I find the intelligence of the squid and octupus to be intriguing but what benefit can there be to creatures with such short life spans? Obviously it contributes something vitally important to their survival as species because high intelligence doesn't translate as a survival mechanism for a majority of creatures and might even be considered a hindrance.

So how does intelligence benefit the short-lived squid as opposed to, say, elephants, dolphins or primates?

Thanks in advance for explanations. :hi:

[notadmblnd]

1. they can write nice letters with all the free ink they produce?

[Dead_Parrot]

2. Well...

...elephants, dolphins and primates have been pushed near extinction by an "intelligent" species. So, maybe "Not at all".



Nom nom nom.

[Orangeone]

3. I've wondered about that too! nt

[Captain Hilts]

4. I thought octopi lived for a while. They're scary smart according to folks that

have to deal with them.

[theHandpuppet]

5. Their life span is quite short

I think it ranges from 6 months to five years but most live to be around 2 y.o. Maybe it's a good thing they don't live to be fifty or sixty... I can't imagine how crafty a 50 year old octupus might be! I just can't figure out the advantage of possessing high intelligence and a short life span. Something about the combination of the two puzzles me.

[Jim__]

6. Intelligence can aid in hunting, mating, ...

I'm not sure why short-lived creatures wouldn't benefit from intelligence.

[theHandpuppet]

9. Hmmm... well let me rephrase that a bit

Of course intelligence manifests itself in many ways. When I think of intelligence within the scope of some mammals, such as elephants, dolphins, or primates, for instance, I think of skills or "knowledge", as it were, that can be passed on to succeeding generations. Also, the creatures I just listed have long life spans, live in complex social groups, and require cooperation in order for their species to survive. Some birds in particular, such as ravens and crows, display similar intelligence and complex social groups.

An octopus, on the other hand, is a solitary, short-lived creature and the success of its reproduction can be measured in quantity, not the quality of parenting.

If high intelligence was such a jewel in the crown of evolutionary success, certainly we'd find many more species for whom intelligence was a key to their survival. As it is, "intelligent" species are vastly outnumbered in the scheme of things and when we've had our turn it's the cockroaches who will inherit the earth. A complex brain requires more than its share of fuel to operate so unless you're getting a substantial return on the investment in gray matter, there's no need for it to develop in any species. And it seems you get just as much as you need and no more -- too much of a "good thing" can actually lead to extinction.

So... what's the octopi's NEED for intelligence? An animal doesn't need cleverness to distinguish prey from predator. The octopus does have some effective defense mechanisms and its design is... well... brilliant, making it an effective hunter. These creatures have developed a high intelligence for some evolutionary reason that I don't understand -- but I'd surely like to know why.

[Orsino]

7. Who says their intelligence isn't a survival mechanism?

Perhaps it merely helps them distinguish between prey and predators.

[Posteritatis]

8. Octopus lifespans vaguely offend me

It's almost an affront that something as smart as most of those guys has a lifespan comparable to the typical hamster. Just doesn't feel right.