Date of Award

2024

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelors

Department

Social Sciences

First Advisor

Harley, Heidi

Second Advisor

Bauer, Gordon

Area of Concentration

Biopsychology

Abstract

Octopuses are fascinating animals with a bad reputation, however, they are slowly but surely gaining the recognition they deserve. The goal of this study was to identify a hierarchy of motivating factors in brooding octopuses, using three O. joubini that had laid eggs in captivity as case studies. To address feeding motivation, I continued to supply the animals food, both free-roaming and directly to their dens. To address the importance of hiding, I disturbed the dens and monitored the animals’ responses. To address the importance of brooding, I encouraged one subject to make choices between returning to her eggs or moving to another viable hide. The study found individual differences in behavior, but also consistent patterns. I found that, as expected, none of the subjects accepted food after laying eggs, with one exception. Hiding was determined to be of higher priority than protecting the eggs. Lastly, one of the octopuses displayed a very interesting pattern of moving away from the eggs after a disturbance, but would be found with the brood again the following day. Further research is required to understand the underlying mechanisms of these behaviors.

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