Explanation Within Arm’s Reach: A Predictive Processing Framework for Single Arm Use in Octopuses

Abstract Octopuses are highly intelligent animals with vertebrate-like cognitive and behavioural repertoires. Despite these similarities, vertebrate-based models of cognition behaviour cannot always be successfully applied to octopuses, due the structural functional characteristics that have evolved in their nervous system response unique challenges posed by octopus morphology. For instance, brain does not support a somatotopic or point-for-point spatial map body—an important feature vertebrate systems. Thus, while octopuses capable motor tasks whose counterparts require detailed interoceptive monitoring, movements may explainable using control frameworks premised on internal representation. One such task is extension single arm. The ability select use arm without guidance has been regarded as puzzle. In an attempt at solution, this paper develops predictive processing account single-arm octopuses.