Do Octopuses Mean to Deceive?

Key points

Many animals' deceptive behaviors are genetically hard-wired and do not require higher cognition.

Tactical deception is flexible, context-dependent, and relies on cognitive processes such as Theory of Mind.

Scientists suggest studying tactical deception in cephalopods, such as octopuses, cuttlefish, and squids.

Cephalopod species exhibit impressive cognitive abilities and behaviors that may be tactical deception.

Many animals use deception to get what they want. Most of these sneaky tactics are instinctual; however, a few creatures engage in tactical deception: They adapt their tricks depending on their goal or audience. Tactical deception involves some sophisticated cognition , and research on the phenomenon often focuses on primates or brainy birds like corvids. Recen