Functional adaptation
Ink cloud distracts predators: octopus
"When their speed alone is not enough for safety, [cuttlefish] squirt a cloud of dense, dark coloured ink that is synthesised in their bodies. This ink surprises their predators for a few seconds, which is usually enough for them to escape." (Yahya 2002:104)
"Sometimes the ink cloud itself resembles the blobby shape of an octopus and acts as a decoy, allowing the octopus to escape while the predator eyes the blob." (Crump 2005:109)
Learn more about this functional adaptation.
The ink cloud emitted by an octopus when threatened aids escape because it resembles the shape of the octopus.
"When their speed alone is not enough for safety, [cuttlefish] squirt a cloud of dense, dark coloured ink that is synthesised in their bodies. This ink surprises their predators for a few seconds, which is usually enough for them to escape." (Yahya 2002:104)
"Sometimes the ink cloud itself resembles the blobby shape of an octopus and acts as a decoy, allowing the octopus to escape while the predator eyes the blob." (Crump 2005:109)
Learn more about this functional adaptation.
- Crump, M. 2005. Headless Males Make Great Lovers & Other Unusual Natural Histories. Chicago, IL: University of Chicago Press. 199 p.
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