We’re all familiar to some extent with the animals and dinosaurs that have ruled the Earth over the last few million years. But now, some scientists are wondering which animal might dominate our planet if mankind were to become extinct, and it’s not the one you’re thinking of. 

It’s a question that never ceases to cause a stir, especially in these times. It has to be said that the human species has already caused a great deal of damage to the Earth, the effects of which are already being felt. Whether it’s global warming, or military conflicts breaking out in various parts of the world, the future of our species seems to be the subject of many questions. 

Of course, this scenario seems unlikely in the near, or even distant, future. But in the event of our imminent extinction, one particular animal could rule the Earth with its many skills, as the Oxford Mail explains. 

And that animal is none other than the octopus. And if that sounds astonishing, Professor of Zoology Timothy Coulson of Oxford University believes that these cephalopods are capable of developing genetic mutations. In particular, when they manage to get out of the water, which they already do for a few minutes. So, if humans were to disappear from the face of the Earth tomorrow, in a few million years’ time, these animals could leave the marine world for the terrestrial one.

To emphasize this hypothesis, Timothy Coulson states: “Their ability to solve complex problems, 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. Their advanced neural structure, decentralized nervous system, and remarkable problem-solving skills make octopuses uniquely 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. In a world where mammals dominate, octopuses remain an underappreciated contender. Their advanced cognition, tool-use, and ability to adapt to changing environments provide a blueprint for what might emerge as the planet’s next intelligent species after humanss“.

However, this hypothesis may be surprising, as we might think that primates would replace humans. However, the latter are also subject to numerous problems and changes, such as global warming, which reduce their chances of reigning on Earth. 

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Alexis Stegmann – Tech Writer – 130 articles published on Notebookcheck since 2025

I’ve been working in the field of web writing for several years, and I’m passionate about keeping readers up to date with the latest news on astronomy, technology, the world of video games and other exciting subjects. In particular, I’ve had the opportunity to work on a number of websites, which has enabled me to cover a wide range of subjects. In my personal life, I’m passionate about a wide range of subjects, including astronomy, video games, history and science. I’m also drawn to psychology, which is a subject that deserves greater documentation and recognition.