Oxford scientist says octopuses could rule Earth after humans go extinct; may build underwater ‘Atlantis’, hunt deer on land

If humans disappear from Earth, don’t be surprised if octopuses take over next. A top scientist from the University of Oxford believes the eight-armed sea creatures could evolve into the planet’s next civilisation-builders — complete with underwater cities, advanced tools and maybe even land hunting skills.

As per reports back in 2024, Professor Tim Coulson, a zoologist at Oxford, says octopuses have the brains, adaptability and problem-solving skills needed to dominate a post-human world. Octopuses' intelligence is already extraordinary, with abilities ranging from solving puzzles and opening jars to using tools and communicating through colour flashes, the scientist was quoted as saying then.

Coulson even suggested they could one day create an underwater civilisation similar to the mythical Atlantis. “Octopuses are among the most intelligent, adaptable, and ingenious creatures on Earth,” he said, adding that their dexterity and curiosity make them strong candidates to fill the ecological void left by humans.



The professor believes that over millions of years, evolution could allow octopuses to move beyond the oceans and possibly survive on land. He speculated they may eventually develop ways to breathe outside water and hunt terrestrial animals such as deer and sheep.

Scientists have previously considered apes, dolphins, elephants and even crows as possible successors to humans. But Coulson argues octopuses may be better suited because of their flexibility, intelligence and ability to adapt rapidly to harsh conditions.

Still, there are hurdles. Octopuses live short lives, usually only one to five years, and most species are solitary creatures that do not raise their young — factors that could limit the development of complex societies.

Even so, Coulson says the idea cannot be dismissed. “Would octopuses build vast underwater cities and come onto land wearing breathing apparatus to shoot a deer? We’ve no way of knowing. But we certainly can’t rule it out,” he remarked.