Cephalopod Cognition

Description

Cephalopods are generally regarded as the most intelligent group among the invertebrates. Despite their popularity, relatively little is known about the range and function of their cognitive abilities. This book fills that gap, accentuating the varied and fascinating aspects of cognition across the group. Starting with the brain, learning and memory, Part I looks at early learning, memory acquisition and cognitive development in modern cephalopods. An analysis of the chambered nautilus, a living fossil, is included, providing insight into the evolution of behavioural complexity. Part II surveys environmental responses, especially within the active and learning-dependent coleoids. The ever-intriguing camouflage abilities of octopus and cuttlefish are highlighted, alongside bioluminescence, navigation and other aspects of visual and cognitive competence. Covering the range of cognitive function, this text underscores the importance of the cephalopods within the field of comparative cognition generally. It will be highly valuable for researchers, graduates and senior undergraduate students.

Anne-Sophie Darmaillacq is a researcher in the Group Memory and Behavioural Plasticity Unit at Universite de Caen Normandie, France. She studies embryonic cognition and early learning systems in the cuttlefish Sepia officinalis and lectures in ethology at graduate and undergraduate levels. Ludovic Dickel is Professor of Behavioural Biology at Universite de Caen Normandie, France, managing the Group Memory and Behavioural Plasticity Unit. His research interests are focused on brain development and cognition in cuttlefish as well as collaborative work on embryonic neuroethology in oviparous species. Jennifer Mather is Professor in the Department of Psychology at University of Lethbridge, Alberta. She is active in researching many aspects of cephalopod cognition and behaviour, especially in octopuses, including groundbreaking work in personality, play and consciousness.

'...well worth the cover price ...' Stephen Hoskins, The Biologist