Seals and sea lions can voluntarily control their vocalizations, a rare ability in mammals. Scientists say their vocal motor cortex connects directly to the muscles that produce sound, unlike most species whose calls are largely automatic. Their specialized underwater breathing systems are also tied to vocal production, helping researchers piece together how human-like speech may have evolved.
A new Science study reports giant octopus-like creatures reaching about 19 metres long roaming ancient oceans roughly 100 million years ago. Fossilised beaks suggest they could crush bones and hunt at the top of the food chain, rivaling marine giants like mosasaurs. The findings point to intelligent invertebrates dominating ecosystems long before the Kraken entered modern legend.
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