Have you ever wondered what would happen to the planet if human beings weren’t on it? I mean, we know the dinosaurs were here before us, but what would happen if we ever kicked the bucket as a species?
Don’t fret though, it’s not like the end is near or anything, it’s just a curious thing to think about, right? And anyway we won’t be around to see what scientists predict will take over.
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It wouldn’t be the first time the planet is with no humans
Of course, it is known that we weren’t on Earth as soon as it existed in the universe, others were here instead, specifically around 245 million years ago when the dinosaurs roamed.
Dinosaurs were the planet’s apex predator until an asteroid wiped out the species.
Humans would have to leave for another to take place
If another species were to take over being the chief of the planet, we would have to make way for them first.
Could you imagine humans trying to evolve while dinosaurs were still around? It would have probably been very hazardous.
An expert spoke about which species is likely to do it
Professor Tim Coulson from Oxford University has spoken to The European about which species is most likely to take humanity’s place at the top.
They aren’t necessarily a threat to us, as they wouldn’t be able to wipe us out, but they are likely to take our place after the deed is done.
Contrary to popular belief, it wouldn’t be primates
While primates are often spoken about as the likely successor to humans, Professor Coulson refutes this saying they “would likely face extinction alongside humans, as they are equally exposed to threats in our shared environment.”
The new boss wouldn’t be birds either
Professor Coulson explained that it wouldn’t be primates because we face similar threats, and it wouldn’t be the smart birds either.
Crows and ravens for example, are highly intelligent but would be unable to build their own civilization on the planet.
The Earth’s inheritor would likely be the octopus
The expert explained that the species to take our place would have to be an intelligent one, and that he believes it would likely be the octopus.
Professor Coulson said that the sea creatures are an “unappreciated contender” in the race to the top.
The professor explained their resourcefulness
“Octopuses are among the most intelligent, adaptable, and resourceful creatures on Earth,” professor Coulson explained.
Similar to the human race, the sea creatures are able to adapt to their environment as well as be resourceful when need be.
Octopuses could evolve like us
“Their ability to solve complex problems, communicate with one another in flashes of color, manipulate objects, and even camouflage themselves with stunning precision suggests that, given the right environmental conditions, they could evolve into a civilisation-building species following the extinction of humans,” the professor added.
The expert also mentioned their problem-solving skills
The professor continued, “Their advanced neural structure, decentralized nervous system, and remarkable problem-solving skills make several species of octopus well suited for an unpredictable world.”
“These qualities could allow them to exploit new niches and adapt to a changing planet, especially in the absence of human influence,” he ended.
While this may seem unlikely, it’s still an interesting thought
Octopuses as the head species on the planet, could you imagine it? Professor Coulson certainly thinks it’s plausible.
They would obviously have to build their civilization underwater instead of on land like us, so who knows how things could evolve under the sea?
