The octopus is a surprisingly complex creature and, quite possibly, the world's original "blue blood ." Its 500 million neurons are distributed throughout its head and body, compared to the 100 billion neurons in our brains [source: Courage ]. The octopus's brain power isn't easily apparent at first glance, but it's proven itself capable of planning, reasoning and -- predicting sporting matchups. On the planning front, researchers have discovered that octopuses in Indonesia will gather coconut shell halves in preparation for stormy weather, then take shelter by going inside the two pieces of shell and holding it shut [source: Courage ].

If you asked Jean Boal, a behavioral researcher at Millersville University about the inner life of octopuses, she might tell you that they are cog

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