The octopus is the fascinating animal that has three hearts. Two of these hearts are responsible for pumping blood to the gills, where it gets oxygen. The third heart then pumps the oxygen-rich blood to the rest of the body.
This unique circulatory system is vital for the octopus’s survival, especially considering its underwater habitat where oxygen levels can vary. The two hearts that serve the gills help ensure that the blood is well-oxygenated before it reaches the rest of the body, allowing the octopus to be active and agile hunters in their deep-sea environments.
Additionally, when an octopus swims, the heart that delivers blood to the body actually pauses, which is why these creatures prefer to crawl rather than swim; it conserves energy and keeps them alive longer!