"Most of the animals we consider intelligent
(like apes, elephants and orcas) are social, have
powerful family connections and live a long time.
Octopuses don't have teachers. They have no
family bonds and, as far as we know, don't make
friends with other octopuses. Even the most
long-lived species only survive for about five
years - "
Interest in octopuses exploded following the release of the Netflix documentary called My Octopus Teacher. I cannot tell you how many people suggested watching it. They were right; it was a truly fascinating look at one of the world's least known creatures. In this book that pays tribute to the octopus, a cephalopod that researchers continue to learn more about almost daily, readers learn about its many amazing traits.
Research shows the octopus to be camouflage geniuses and formidable escape artists, while also proving to be as smart as dolphins and chimps. The author tells his audience that an octopus, named Rambo, learned how to use a waterproof camera. Come on! There is evidence to prove it. Those who continue to research the cephalopod family think that they may dream, know that their arm sensors help them determine between 'friend, foe, or food'. It is also thought they respond to both light and color.
There are 300 or more different species. They range in size from the wolfi (star sucker pygmy) which is 'about the size of one giant Pacific octopus sucker'. It weighs almost nothing, and doesn't often live longer than six months. The Giant Pacific Octopus is the most plentiful, and is seen by many. They are the largest and 'eat 20,000 calories a day' to grow quickly. A full-grown one 'may have more than 2,000 suckers'. Those are but two of the eight species Mr. Leiren-Young describes in one chapter.
This is the newest book in the Orca Wild series and the author informs readers about his visits with an octopus named Storm who lived at the Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea in Sidney, British Columbia, and the extensive research he did for the writing of this book. There are 17 chapters, short and to the point in sharing what is being learned about the octopus and its squid and cuttlefish relatives. Clear, captioned photographs, information boxes called Ink Spots, and accessible information will find fans keen to learn more about these fascinating creatures. As with other books in this series, back matter includes suggestions for helping save octopuses, the ocean and ourselves, a glossary, a list of print and media resources, acknowledgements, and an index.
Hand this book to those kids who want more information about some of the world's most interesting creatures.
No comments:
Post a Comment