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Octopuses and Humans: Ancient Ancestor Revealed in New Study

4/28/2025

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Summary

Story summary

New research unveils a fascinating connection between octopuses and humans, suggesting we share an ancient ancestor from 518 million years ago. The study reveals that octopuses experienced a remarkable growth in microRNAs, boosting their brain development. This discovery underscores the idea of convergent evolution, showcasing the varied routes to intelligence in different species.

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Story summary

New research unveils a fascinating connection between octopuses and humans, suggesting we share an ancient ancestor from 518 million years ago. The study reveals that octopuses experienced a remarkable growth in microRNAs, boosting their brain development. This discovery underscores the idea of convergent evolution, showcasing the varied routes to intelligence in different species.