Podcasts > Conspiracy Theories > Are Octopuses Aliens??

Are Octopuses Aliens??

By Spotify Studios

In this episode of Conspiracy Theories, the focus is on a controversial 2018 scientific paper suggesting that modern octopuses might have extraterrestrial origins. The summary explores the debate between scientists who point to the octopus's unusual traits—like instantaneous camouflage and a distributed nervous system—as potential evidence of cosmic intervention, and critics who maintain these features emerged through natural evolution on Earth.

The discussion extends beyond octopuses to examine the broader theory of panspermia—the idea that life on Earth may have cosmic origins—and recent discoveries of organic molecules on meteorites. The summary also covers research using octopuses as models for understanding how intelligence might develop in environments different from Earth's, offering insights into potential forms of alien consciousness.

Are Octopuses Aliens??

This is a preview of the Shortform summary of the Jun 11, 2025 episode of the Conspiracy Theories

Sign up for Shortform to access the whole episode summary along with additional materials like counterarguments and context.

Are Octopuses Aliens??

1-Page Summary

The 2018 Octopus Alien Theory Controversy

In 2018, a team of 33 scientists published a controversial paper suggesting that modern octopuses might have extraterrestrial origins. The paper proposed that a comet or meteorite carrying microscopic organisms could have infected early cephalopod ancestors. While this bold claim captured public imagination, it faced significant criticism from the scientific community, particularly from experts at institutions like the Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics.

Evidence and Scientific Debate

The paper's proponents point to the octopus's remarkable traits: instantaneous camouflaging abilities, sophisticated nervous system, and complex genome. However, critics emphasize that genetic and fossil evidence strongly supports natural evolution on Earth. Fossil records dating back 330 million years and DNA similarities with other Earth species suggest terrestrial origins rather than extraterrestrial intervention.

The Octopus's Unique Characteristics

Dominic Sivitilli highlights the octopus's extraordinary features, including three hearts and a distributed nervous system with more neurons in their arms than in their central brain. Their arms can act independently, with suckers capable of feeling, tasting, and smelling. The octopus genome is unusually large and complex, though their evolutionary history remains partially mysterious due to their soft bodies rarely fossilizing.

Connection to Broader Origins of Life Theories

The octopus debate connects to the broader panspermia theory, which suggests life on Earth might have cosmic origins. Recent discoveries of organic molecules and nucleobases on meteorites and asteroids like Bennu have strengthened discussions about potential extraterrestrial contributions to life's evolution on Earth.

Model for Understanding Alien Intelligence

Eric Dorfman and Dominic Civitilli view octopuses as valuable models for understanding potential alien intelligence. Their unique nervous system and observable curiosity demonstrate how intelligence might evolve in different environments. Civitilli's research uses octopuses to understand cognitive development outside the vertebrate lineage, offering insights into how advanced intelligence might manifest in extraterrestrial life forms.

1-Page Summary

Additional Materials

Counterarguments

  • The genetic complexity and unique traits of octopuses can be explained through natural selection and evolutionary processes on Earth without invoking extraterrestrial origins.
  • The fossil record, while incomplete due to the soft-bodied nature of cephalopods, still provides evidence of their evolution on Earth over millions of years.
  • The presence of organic molecules and nucleobases on meteorites does not necessarily indicate that life on Earth has extraterrestrial origins, as these molecules can also form under Earth-like conditions.
  • The panspermia theory, while intriguing, remains speculative and lacks direct evidence linking extraterrestrial materials to the origin of life on Earth.
  • The unusual features of the octopus, such as its nervous system and camouflaging abilities, could be the result of convergent evolution, where similar environmental pressures lead to similar adaptations in unrelated species.
  • The idea that octopuses could be a model for alien intelligence is based on the assumption that extraterrestrial life would have similar biological structures and cognitive abilities, which is not necessarily the case.
  • The paper's hypothesis about extraterrestrial origins for octopuses is not widely accepted and is considered fringe by many in the scientific community due to the lack of direct evidence supporting it.

Actionables

  • You can explore the concept of panspermia by starting a stargazing journal to document and reflect on the cosmic connections to life on Earth. Use a simple notebook to record observations of meteor showers, comet sightings, and other celestial events. Jot down thoughts on how these might relate to the origins of life, drawing parallels to the discussions about octopuses and extraterrestrial life.
  • Enhance your appreciation for complex life forms by creating an octopus-focused art project, such as a sculpture or painting that highlights their unique features. This activity will encourage you to research and understand the intricacies of octopus anatomy, like their three hearts and distributed nervous system, and express this knowledge creatively.
  • Foster curiosity about alien intelligence by engaging in problem-solving games that mimic octopus behavior, such as escape room challenges or puzzles that require you to use your limbs independently. This can provide a hands-on way to appreciate the octopus's problem-solving skills and potentially gain insight into how intelligence could manifest in extraterrestrial life forms.

Get access to the context and additional materials

So you can understand the full picture and form your own opinion.
Get access for free
Are Octopuses Aliens??

2018 Research Paper on Octopus Alien Theory

A research paper published in 2018 has stirred the scientific community with its claim that octopuses may have extraterrestrial origins.

2018 Paper: "Cause of Cambrian Explosion" Argues Octopus Has Extraterrestrial Origins

The paper, authored by a team of 33 scientists and entitled "Cause of Cambrian Explosion, Terrestrial or Cosmic," explores the notion that modern octopuses evolved from life forms that arrived on Earth from space. One section suggests that a comet or meteorite carrying microscopic organisms may have infected early cephalopod ancestors, giving rise to the modern octopus around 275 million years ago. The authors were aware that their hypothesis would face skepticism but felt the proposal was significant enough to warrant discussion.

The Paper's Claims Generated Scientific Debate and Criticism

Although the paper's bold assertions captured the imagination of the public, they sparked significant debate and criticism among biologists and evolutionary experts. Critics, including those from prestigious institutions like the Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genet ...

Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary

Registered users get access to the Full Podcast Summary and Additional Materials. It’s easy and free!
Start your free trial today

2018 Research Paper on Octopus Alien Theory

Additional Materials

Counterarguments

  • The octopus genome shows a complex array of genes, including those for a sophisticated nervous system and camera-like eyes, which can be explained through natural evolutionary processes on Earth.
  • The sudden appearance of complex life forms during the Cambrian explosion is not unique to octopuses and can be attributed to a variety of Earth-based evolutionary pressures and mechanisms.
  • The hypothesis of panspermia (life arriving from space) is speculative and not necessary to explain the diversity of life on Earth, as there is no direct evidence supporting the transfer of life forms between celestial bodies.
  • The molecular and genetic tools available to scientists have enabled the detailed reconstruction of the evolutionary history of many species, including cephalopods, which consistently points to terrestrial origins.
  • The fossil record, while incomplete, provides substantial evidence of the gradual evolution of cephalopods and other marine life on Earth without the need for extraterrestrial origins.
  • The paper's hypothesis does not conform to the principle of parsimony, or Occam's razor, which suggests that the simplest explanation—natural evolution on Earth—is more likely to be correct than a complex and unproven extraterrestrial hypothesis.
  • The scientific community requires rigorous evidenc ...

Actionables

  • Start a science-themed book club to explore different theories about life's origins, including the panspermia hypothesis which suggests life could have been seeded on Earth from elsewhere in the universe. By reading and discussing a variety of books on this topic, you'll broaden your understanding of the different scientific theories and the evidence that supports or refutes them.
  • Create a themed art project that visualizes the concept of extraterrestrial origins of life, such as painting or sculpting an interpretation of how a meteorite could introduce new life forms to Earth. This artistic expression allows you to explore the concept creatively and can be a conversation starter with others about the fascinating possibilities of life's beginnings.
  • Engage in citizen ...

Get access to the context and additional materials

So you can understand the full picture and form your own opinion.
Get access for free
Are Octopuses Aliens??

Evidence and Debate on the Octopus Alien Theory

The octopus alien theory has sparked a debate among scientists regarding the origins of this cephalopod's unique traits, which some argue could point to an extraterrestrial origin.

Proponents Cite the Octopus's Intelligence, Complex Genome, and Rapid Camouflage as Evidence of Extraterrestrial Origin

Octopuses exhibit various extraordinary capabilities, such as instantaneous camouflaging, a sophisticated nervous system spread across their eight arms, and the ability to solve problems and recognize individual humans. Given their impressive skill set and significant departure from their presumed ancestor, the nautiloid, some proponents pose the question of whether octopuses' evolution can be fully explained by natural processes here on Earth.

Octopus Genome Size and Gene Count Indicate Advanced Evolution

The octopus genome is quite complex, boasting a size and gene count that indicate a high level of advanced evolution. Because of these complexities, authors of a certain paper suggest that these traits may not be solely attributable to evolution by natural selection, hinting at the possibility of an extraterrestrial explanation for the octopus's sophisticated genome and abilities.

Octopus's Skills Due to Natural Selection, Not Aliens

However, critics counter that natural selection is a robust mechanism capable of explaining the octopus's unique features, without having to resort to an extraterrestrial origin. Opponents highlight that the species' genetic code provides ample evidence to understand its natural evolution on Earth.

Critics Argue Scientific Evidence Supports Octopus Evolved Naturally On Earth

Experts in the field are skeptical of the octopus alien theory, pointing out that genetic and fossil evidence sug ...

Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary

Registered users get access to the Full Podcast Summary and Additional Materials. It’s easy and free!
Start your free trial today

Evidence and Debate on the Octopus Alien Theory

Additional Materials

Counterarguments

  • The complexity of an organism's genome does not necessarily imply extraterrestrial origin; complexity can arise through well-understood natural evolutionary processes.
  • Intelligence and problem-solving abilities have evolved in many Earth species and are not unique to octopuses, suggesting that these traits can evolve naturally in response to environmental pressures.
  • Rapid camouflage is seen in other terrestrial species, such as chameleons and cuttlefish, indicating that this ability can evolve in Earth's ecosystems.
  • The presence of octopus fossils dating back millions of years suggests a long history of evolution on Earth, which is consistent with the gradual development of their unique traits.
  • Genetic similarities between octopuses and other terrestrial life forms suggest a common ancestry and shared evolutionary mechanisms rather than an extrat ...

Actionables

  • You can foster curiosity and critical thinking by starting a themed book club focused on the mysteries of marine life and the possibility of extraterrestrial origins. Gather a group of friends or join an online community interested in science fiction and marine biology, and select books that explore themes similar to the octopus alien theory. This will allow you to explore different perspectives and expand your understanding of the debate in a social setting.
  • Enhance your understanding of genetic complexity by engaging in citizen science projects that involve genetic data analysis. Look for online platforms that allow non-scientists to contribute to real scientific research, such as classifying genetic sequences or identifying species based on genetic markers. This hands-on experience will give you a better grasp of the complexities of genomes like that of the octopus.
  • Encourage open-minded explo ...

Get access to the context and additional materials

So you can understand the full picture and form your own opinion.
Get access for free
Are Octopuses Aliens??

The Octopus's Unique Characteristics and Evolutionary History

Octopuses are marvels of the animal kingdom, displaying exceptional intelligence, adaptability, and anatomy unlike any other creature. Their evolutionary history presents an equally remarkable narrative, spanning hundreds of millions of years.

Octopus: Intelligence, Adaptability, Unique Anatomy

Octopuses have many unique characteristics, including three hearts and arms that are sensitive and capable of performing various tasks.

Octopuses' Distributed Nervous Systems Enable Independent Arm Tasks

The intelligence and curiosity of octopuses are traits that Dominic Sivitilli highlights as similar to those humans associate with intelligence. Octopuses have large brains relative to their body size and a number of neurons comparable to that of a dog. Their neurons are distributed throughout their bodies, with higher concentrations in their arms than their central brain. This allows octopus arms to act independently, carrying out tasks without central commands. The suckers on each arm, equipped with clusters of neurons, can feel, taste, and smell. This decentralized nervous system is efficient for the octopus due to their arms' boneless and infinitely flexible nature. Octopus arms can regenerate, enabling the animal to regrow a limb if lost.

Octopuses Can Swiftly Camouflage By Changing Color and Texture

In addition to their physical and intellectual capabilities, octopuses possess instantaneous camouflaging skills, allowing them to rapidly change color and texture to blend into their environments for defense or predation.

Octopus Evolutionary History Dates Back Hundreds of Millions of Years

Octopuses have a long and entangled evolutionary history, which is both fascinating and challenging for scientists to understand.

Octopus Genome, Larger and More Complex, Suggests Unique Evolution

The octopus genome is un ...

Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary

Registered users get access to the Full Podcast Summary and Additional Materials. It’s easy and free!
Start your free trial today

The Octopus's Unique Characteristics and Evolutionary History

Additional Materials

Counterarguments

  • While octopuses have distributed nervous systems, comparing their intelligence to dogs may be misleading due to the vastly different ways these animals interact with their environments and process information.
  • The ability of octopus arms to act independently does not necessarily equate to higher intelligence; it could be an adaptation to their specific ecological niches.
  • Regeneration of limbs, while remarkable, is not unique to octopuses and is seen in other species, such as starfish and some lizards, which could suggest a more common evolutionary adaptation among certain animal groups.
  • The ability to change color and texture for camouflage, although advanced in octopuses, is also present in other cephalopods, like cuttlefish and squids, and even in some fish and reptiles, indicating that this might be a more widespread adaptation among various taxa.
  • The large and complex genome of the octopus does not necessarily imply a unique evolutionary process; it could also be the result of genetic duplication events that are known to occur in other species as well.
  • The ...

Actionables

- You can explore the concept of distributed intelligence by trying out multitasking activities that engage different parts of your body independently, like playing a musical instrument with one hand while writing with the other, to understand how complex tasks can be managed simultaneously.

  • This activity can give you a personal sense of how having multiple centers of control, like an octopus's arms, might function. For example, you could attempt to learn a simple melody on a keyboard with one hand while drawing shapes with the other. This could enhance your coordination and appreciation for distributed neural networks.
  • You can experiment with adaptive strategies by altering your appearance or behavior to blend into new social environments, similar to how an octopus changes color for camouflage.
  • For instance, when attending different social events, you could consciously adapt your clothing style, body language, and conversation topics to match the setting. This could be trying out a more formal attire and reserved demeanor at a business networking event, while opting for casual wear and a relaxed attitude at a local community gathering. This personal experiment can provide insight into the adaptability and camouflage techniques of octopuses.
  • You can engage in creative writin ...

Get access to the context and additional materials

So you can understand the full picture and form your own opinion.
Get access for free
Are Octopuses Aliens??

Octopus and Theories on Life's Origin Connection

Scientists and the public alike are engrossed in a fascinating debate around the origins of life on Earth, with recent studies highlighting the remarkable octopus as a tantalizing case for extraterrestrial ancestry. This discourse ties back to the panspermia theory, which suggests life's cosmic origins may have been kickstarted by celestial delivery systems.

Octopus Supports Panspermia Theory of Extraterrestrial Life Origin

A controversial 2018 research paper used the panspermia theory as a basis to suggest the Cambrian explosion, a period of rapid evolution approximately 541 million years ago, could be a result of extraterrestrial life arriving on Earth and potentially sparking evolution with the delivery of organic compounds and microbes. This aligns with panspermia proponents' arguments that life on Earth originated from the universe's bounty, delivered by comets, asteroids, or meteorites, which may have seeded the planet with organic compounds and microbial life.

Proponents Argue Organic Compounds and Microbial Life Might Have Arrived On Earth On Comets, Asteroids, or Meteorites, Potentially Kickstarting Life's Evolution

The discovery of organic molecules, such as nucleobases necessary for DNA and RNA, on meteorites suggests that the building blocks for life could have a cosmic origin. An international team of researchers found all five of these crucial nucleobases on meteorites that had landed on Earth. Furthermore, NASA's study of the asteroid Bennu revealed the presence of thousands of organic compounds, including amino acids, bolstering the panspermia hypothesis that life on Earth may owe its initiation to materials from space.

Meteorite Nucleobases Support Panspermia Hypothesis

The evidence supporting panspermia has grown with the findings on asteroids like Bennu, where investigations have shown that chemical reactions could produce life's ingredients, which might then have been delivered to ancient Earth. This adds a compelling dimension to the dialogue on life's beginnings and dissemination in the cosmos.

Panspermia Debate Ignites Talk On Life's Cosmic Origins and Spread

Dominic Sivitilli, whose work with octopuses often leaves him feeling like he's studying aliens, asserts that while these creatures are indeed Earthlings—mollusks, to be exact—they do share an ancestor with humans. His research into their alien-like qualities persists, despite a long-standing familiarity with the species. The public's fascination with octopuses as potential aliens may stem from confirma ...

Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary

Registered users get access to the Full Podcast Summary and Additional Materials. It’s easy and free!
Start your free trial today

Octopus and Theories on Life's Origin Connection

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Panspermia theory suggests that life could have originated elsewhere in the universe and been transported to Earth by celestial bodies like comets and asteroids. It proposes that microorganisms capable of surviving in space could have seeded life on our planet. This hypothesis explores the idea that life may not have started on Earth but was brought here from outer space. Critics argue that panspermia doesn't explain the actual origin of life but rather shifts the question to another location in the cosmos.
  • The Cambrian explosion was a period around 538.8 million years ago when there was a sudden increase in the diversity of complex life forms on Earth. This event marked the appearance of most major animal phyla in the fossil record and led to the divergence of modern metazoan phyla. It lasted for about 13 to 25 million years and was a significant time for the evolution of life on our planet.
  • Nucleobases are the building blocks of nucleic acids like DNA and RNA. They are nitrogen-containing molecules that pair up to form the genetic code. Nucleobases include adenine, guanine, cytosine, thymine, and uracil. These molecules play a crucial role in storing and transmitting genetic information.
  • Dominic Sivitilli's research on octopuses focuses on their unique traits and behaviors, often likened to alien intelligence. Despite their earthly origins as mollusks, octopuses share an ancestor with humans. Sivitilli's work delves into the intriguing aspects of octopuses that make them stand out as a case study for potential extrat ...

Counterarguments

  • The octopus's complex genome and unique traits can be explained through natural evolutionary processes on Earth without invoking extraterrestrial origins.
  • The panspermia theory, while intriguing, remains speculative and lacks direct evidence of life being transported and thriving after interplanetary transfer.
  • The Cambrian explosion's link to extraterrestrial life is a hypothesis that is not widely accepted in the scientific community, as there are alternative explanations for this event based on Earth's own evolutionary history.
  • The presence of organic compounds on meteorites does not necessarily indicate that life originated elsewhere and was transported to Earth; these compounds could also have been synthesized on Earth.
  • The discovery of nucleobases in meteorites does not prove that these molecules were used to kickstart life on Earth; they could be common throughout the universe without necessarily leading to life.
  • NASA's findings on Bennu, while significant, do not demonstrate that life was delivered to Earth from space, only that some ingredients for life can be found on asteroids.
  • The chemical reactions on asteroids like Bennu that could produce life's ingredients do not provide evidence that life itself was transported to Earth from these celestial bodies.
  • While octopuses have unique traits, suggesting a shared ancestor with humans does not imply extraterrestrial origins; all life on Earth shares common ancestry at some point in the evolutionary timelin ...

Get access to the context and additional materials

So you can understand the full picture and form your own opinion.
Get access for free
Are Octopuses Aliens??

Octopus as a Model for Alien Intelligence

The octopus, with its extraordinary traits, serves as a model organism for understanding the nature of intelligence that could exist beyond Earth.

Octopus Cognitive Traits Linked To Extraterrestrial Intelligence

Eric Dorfman and Dominic Civitilli focus on the octopus’s advanced cognitive traits and independent nervous systems as models for alien intelligence studies.

Octopus's Distributed Nervous System and Curiosity Offer Insights Into Evolving Intelligence In Various Environments

Dorfman describes octopuses as nearly alien due to their complex behaviors and physiology. With its unique nervous system, which allows for independent arm function, the octopus showcases how intelligence might evolve in environments vastly different from Earth's. Their observable curiosity further suggests that intelligence inherently involves an exploratory nature, which could be applicable in the search for intelligent extraterrestrial life. Curiosity is also noted as a fundamental trait for a species to become technologically advanced, as it fosters the ability to innovate and transform objects into useful tools or technology.

Civitilli has studied octopus cognition to understand the vast diversity of animal behavior, given that vertebrates, including humans, make up a small portion of that diversity. By researching octopus behavior and intelligence, insights into how behavior and intelligence might look with an entirely different origin are gained. This study suggests possible evolutionary pathways for advanced cognitive abilities that could develop under different environmental conditions, thus aiding the search for ...

Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary

Registered users get access to the Full Podcast Summary and Additional Materials. It’s easy and free!
Start your free trial today

Octopus as a Model for Alien Intelligence

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • The octopus is being studied as a model for understanding intelligence that could exist beyond Earth. Researchers are intrigued by the octopus's advanced cognitive traits and unique nervous system, which offer insights into how intelligence might evolve in different environments. By studying the octopus, scientists hope to gain perspectives on the diversity of intelligent life forms that could exist in the universe. This research aids in the search for extraterrestrial intelligence by exploring alternative pathways for the development of advanced cognitive abilities.
  • Octopus cognitive traits are being studied as a potential model for understanding intelligence that could exist beyond Earth. Researchers are exploring how the octopus's advanced cognitive abilities and unique nervous system could provide insights into the nature of intelligence in environments different from Earth. By examining the octopus's behaviors and cognitive functions, scientists aim to gain knowledge that could be relevant to the search for extraterrestrial intelligence. The octopus's characteristics are intriguing researchers as they consider how intelligence might evolve in diverse environments, potentially shedding light on the possibilities of alien intelligence.
  • The octopus's distributed nervous system allows its arms to function independently, showcasing a unique form of intelligence evolution. Their curiosity-driven behavior suggests a link between exploration and the development of intelligence in diverse environments. This combination of traits offers insights into how intelligence could adapt and thrive in conditions different from Earth.
  • Studying octopuses helps researchers understand how advanced cognitive abilities could evolve in different environments, providing insights into potential forms of intelligence beyond Earth. By examining the unique cognitive traits of octopuses, scientists can speculate on the diverse pathways that intelligence might take in extraterrestrial life forms. This research aids in broadening our understanding of the possible variations in cognitive development that could exist in alien species. The study of octopuses offers a comparative perspective on intelligence, shedding light on the potential diversity of cognitive capabilities in the search for extraterrestrial life.
  • The section "Octopus as a Model For Understanding Intelligent Life Diversity" discusses how studying octopuses can provide insights into the diversity of intelligent life forms beyond Earth. Researchers use the unique characteristics of octopuses, such as their separate evolutionary history and complex behaviors, to explore how intelligence can evolve independe ...

Counterarguments

  • While octopuses have a unique nervous system, it is not certain that alien intelligence would evolve similarly; extraterrestrial environments could lead to entirely different forms of intelligence.
  • Curiosity may be fundamental for technological advancement in species on Earth, but it is speculative to assume this would be the case for all intelligent life, especially in environments with different selective pressures.
  • The octopus's intelligence is impressive, but it is still an Earth-based form of life; assuming it can serve as a direct model for extraterrestrial intelligence may be anthropocentric or Earth-centric.
  • The octopus's independent arm function is a result of its specific evolutionary path and ecological niche; alien life forms might not have similar physical structures or needs.
  • The fascination with octopuses as "alien-like" could be influenced by human perceptions of strangeness rather than objective measures of intelligence or cognition.
  • The assumption that studying octopus intelligence can directly aid in the search for extraterrestrial life may overestimate the comparability of life forms across vastly different environments.
  • The evolutionary pathways suggested by octopus research are based on Earth's specific ...

Get access to the context and additional materials

So you can understand the full picture and form your own opinion.
Get access for free

Create Summaries for anything on the web

Download the Shortform Chrome extension for your browser

Shortform Extension CTA