The evolutionary history of octopuses is both long and impressive. The oldest known fossil of an octopus ancestor dates back approximately 330 million years, which means they existed long before the dinosaurs.

An ancient specimen, discovered in Montana, had ten limbs instead of the eight we see in today’s octopuses. This incredible longevity underscores the adaptability and resilience of these creatures, allowing them to survive and evolve through countless environmental changes.

One of the most remarkable physiological traits of octopuses is their three hearts. Two of these hearts pump blood through the gills for oxygenation. The third heart circulates the oxygen-rich blood throughout the rest of the body.

Interestingly, the heart that supplies blood to the organs stops beating when the octopus swims, which explains why they prefer crawling to swimming. This unique circulatory system supports their active lifestyles and complex behaviors.

Contrary to Aristotle’s ancient claim that octopuses are “stupid,” modern research has shown that they are highly intelligent creatures. Octopuses possess large brains.

They demonstrate complex behaviors, such as solving puzzles, navigating mazes, and playing. Each octopus has a unique personality and has been observed using tools, a rare trait in the animal kingdom.

The intelligence of these eight-legged creatures extends to their limbs, as two-thirds of their neurons are located in their arms. This decentralized nervous system allows their arms to operate independently, performing tasks such as opening shellfish while the rest of the octopus concentrates on other activities.

Even when severed, their arms can respond to stimuli, showcasing a remarkable level of autonomy and sophistication in their nervous system.

Unlike most animals, octopuses have blue blood due to the presence of hemocyanin, a copper-based molecule that transports oxygen. Hemocyanin outperforms hemoglobin in transporting oxygen, especially in cold, low-oxygen environments like the deep ocean.

This adaptation allows these animals to thrive in their often harsh underwater habitats. However, this adaptation also makes them sensitive to changes in ocean acidity, a concern that grows more pressing as climate change progresses.

Octopuses are truly one of nature’s marvels, boasting an ancient lineage, complex circulatory and nervous systems, and remarkable intelligence. These traits make them fascinating study subjects and emphasize their importance in marine ecosystems.

As our understanding of these remarkable animals deepens, it becomes increasingly crucial to prioritize their conservation and safeguard the diverse environments they call home. From their unique blood to their exceptional brains, octopuses remind us of the diversity of life on our planet.

In December, Princess Diana’s iconic engagement garment went up for grabs. In her engagement photos, captured by Lord Snowden in 1981, she wore a blush pink blouse, and it hit the auction block at Julien’s Auctions. The shirt was expected to go for a whopping $100,000. So how much did it sell for in the end?

The garment, with a ruffled collar, satin ribbon, peasant-style sleeves, and ruffled cuffs, was set to make history at an auction happening from December 14 to December 17, 2023, in Beverly Hills, California. The blouse worn by Princess Diana was not only featured in the engagement portrait but was also connected to her wedding dress designers, the legendary David and Elizabeth Emanuel.

In Elizabeth’s book, A Dress for Diana, she tells of how a mishap during a fitting left one of the designers’ dresses with a mascara smudge, prompting the resourceful duo to salvage a piece of the fabric. The rescued treasure transformed into the iconic blouse that captured Diana’s heart at first sight.

After being worn by Diana in that iconic photo shoot, Elizabeth held onto the cherished blouse until its sale in 2010. The journey of this item didn’t end there; it made triumphant returns in 2017 and 2019, captivating audiences at Kensington Palace during exclusive exhibitions showcasing Diana’s wardrobe.

In addition, another piece from Diana’s wardrobe was available at the auction. Designed by Jacques Azagury, it’s an evening dress with a black velvet bodice adorned with stars, a dropped waist, padded shoulders, and a stunning blue skirt. With an anticipated price of up to $200,000, this regal ensemble, only worn twice by Princess Diana in public, was also expected to sell well.

The auction also featured memorabilia from Hollywood legends like Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe, Gloria Swanson, and Barbara Streisand. From Hepburn’s iconic yellow wool Givenchy coat from the 1963 movie Charade to Monroe’s carriage clock with a price tag of up to $4,000, the collection was a treasure trove of star-studded history.

In the end, Diana’s evening gown was auctioned off for a whopping $1.1 million, which was not only the highest price ever paid for one of Princess Diana’s dresses, but also more than 10 times the estimated amount! The pink engagement blouse ended up selling for $381,000, which is three times the estimated price. It just goes to show that to this day, people around the world still love Princess Diana and carry on her legacy.