Did the octopus originate from outer space? A new controversial study says it’s possible.
A total of 33 reputable scientists including a molecular immunologist and an astrobiologist suggest the eight-armed, shape- and color-changing creature may be an alien form, according to Quartz Media.
Their paper, published in the March issue of Progress in Biophysics and Molecular Biology, is thought provoking if nothing else.
The report is based on panspermia, the theory that suggests that life on the earth originated from microorganisms or chemical precursors of life present in outer space. In this case, Darwin’s classic theory of evolution has no explanation for the octopus’ existence.
The paper observed that the octopus’ appearance on Earth 270 million years ago represented a "remarkable evolution of intelligent complexity" that can’t be explained by Darwin. The conclusion: Alien DNA was combined with a squid.
"The genome of the octopus shows a staggering level of complexity with 33,000 protein-coding genes more than is present in Homo sapiens,” the study said. "Its large brain and sophisticated nervous system, camera-like eyes, flexible bodies, instantaneous camouflage via the ability to switch colour and shape are just a few of the striking features that appear suddenly on the evolutionary scene.”
Karin Moelling, a Max Planck Institute of Molecular Genetics scientist, said she couldn’t take the study seriously given that there’s no research backing up the theory, The Sun reported.
Folks on social media had their doubts also, but had fun with it.
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