Octopus mimics flatfish and flaunts it
Monday, August 30, 2010 - 10:07
in Biology & Nature
The mimic octopus, which can imitate flatfish and sea snakes to dupe potential predators, may well be the king of impersonation. By creatively configuring its limbs, adopting characteristic undulating movements, and displaying conspicuous color patterns, the mimic octopus can successfully pass for a number of different creatures that share its habitat, several of which are toxic. Now, scientists have conducted DNA analysis to determine how this remarkable adaptation evolved.