Renowned University of Oxford researcher Tim Coulson has proposed a provocative idea: in a world without humans, octopuses might emerge as the next civilization-building species. Known for their intelligence, adaptability, and problem-solving skills, octopuses possess many of the traits necessary for societal development — albeit one vastly different from human civilization.

A World Without Humans

In his 2024 book, The Universal History of Us, Coulson examines the evolutionary journey of life on Earth and speculates on its potential future. He argues that if humans were to face extinction, species with advanced cognitive abilities and adaptability would have the best chance of thriving.

Primates, often considered humans’ closest relatives, were ruled out by Coulson due to their dependence on forest habitats, small population sizes, and slow reproduction rates. Instead, his attention turned to the ocean and its highly intelligent inhabitants: octopuses.

The Case For Octopus Civilizations

Octopuses are already celebrated for their remarkable intelligence and complex behaviors:

• Tool Use: They have been observed crafting tools, such as using coconut shells for shelter.
• Problem-Solving: Octopuses can navigate mazes, open jars, and demonstrate the ability to learn from observation.
• Communication: Through dynamic color changes, octopuses convey mood and intentions to other creatures.
• Adaptability: Their flexible bodies and advanced camouflage skills allow them to thrive in a variety of marine environments.

Coulson suggests these traits could serve as the foundation for further evolutionary advancements, potentially leading to octopus societies tailored to their unique anatomy and environment.

Evolutionary Challenges

Despite their potential, octopuses face significant hurdles on the path to civilization-building:

1. Short Lifespans: Most octopuses live only one to two years, limiting the time for passing knowledge across generations.
2. Lack of Social Structure: Unlike humans, octopuses are generally solitary creatures, which may hinder the development of cooperative societies.
3. Marine Environment: The ocean imposes unique constraints, such as the difficulty of creating tools or preserving knowledge in underwater habitats.

However, Coulson theorizes that over millions of years, evolutionary pressures could lead to adaptations addressing these challenges. Longer lifespans, greater social interactions, or even shifts to terrestrial environments could open new possibilities for octopus evolution.

A Fascinating Thought Experiment

Coulson’s hypothesis, while speculative, has sparked meaningful discussions in evolutionary biology and beyond. It invites a reexamination of what constitutes intelligence and civilization, urging us to consider the diverse forms life could take in the absence of humanity.

Whether or not octopuses ever develop civilizations, their remarkable abilities remind us of the vast potential for evolution to surprise and adapt — even in a post-human world.