New cuttlefish brain map reveals secrets of camouflage

Jan 23, 2023 ·

Cuttlefish have long been known for their ability to camouflage, but a new study conducted by researchers at the University of Queensland has shed light on how this process works. According to the research, the cuttlefish brain is capable of rapidly changing its behavior in order to blend into its environment.

The team studied the neural networks of wild cuttlefish and discovered that they have very sophisticated brains that are able to quickly change their behavior depending on what’s going on in their environment. The brain is constantly monitoring and interpreting stimuli from the surrounding environment and then acting accordingly. For example, when a predator is close by, the cuttlefish will immediately change color to match its surroundings and hide.

Researchers believe that understanding this mechanism could help them create better algorithms for computer vision applications, as the cuttlefish brain provides an excellent model for how computers can learn to recognize objects. Furthermore, understanding how cuttlefish use visual cues to camouflage offers insights into how animals interact with their environment.

By studying the neural networks of cuttlefish, the team also uncovered certain traits that allow the animals to better adapt to their environment. They found that the cuttlefish had three main types of neurons that allowed them to sense and respond to threats differently. The first type of neuron was responsible for detecting visual cues, while the second was responsible for directing the animal to display certain colors or textures. And lastly, the third type of neuron is believed to be responsible for controlling the speed at which the cuttlefish acts.

Overall, this new research provides valuable insight into how the cuttlefish brain works and how it can be used to gain a better understanding of animal behavior. In addition, the findings offer potential applications for computer vision models, which could lead to advancements in artificial intelligence.