Scientist Reveals Which Creature Is Most Likely To 'Rule Earth' If Humans Go Extinct

For years, people have believed that robots would eventually take over the world, but one scientist has a very different idea. He’s betting on a species from the ocean as Earth’s next ruler.

We’ve all seen movies like Terminator, The Mitchells vs. The Machines, and I, Robot. They’ve fed the popular notion that technology will dominate when humans are gone. But Professor Tim Coulson offers a different perspective. He shared his thoughts on what—or who—might take over our planet, and it has nothing to do with machines.

Professor Coulson, a Zoology professor and former head of Biology at Oxford University, has written a new book titled The Universal History of Us. It explores the fascinating science behind life and our existence on this planet, diving deep into what could happen if humanity were to vanish.

As we all know, humans are currently the dominant species on Earth. But if we were to go extinct, Professor Coulson explained that other species could step up to take on important roles in the ecosystem.

"Life will likely persist on Earth for another billion years, so I pondered which species might take our place, building the first non-human civilzation," he told The European, sharing an intriguing perspective.

Primates, being the animals most similar to humans, seem like the obvious successors to take over if—or when—we disappear. However, Coulson argues this might not be the case after all.

According to Professor Coulson, the very traits that make primates so similar to humans might work against them. There’s even a possibility they could go extinct around the same time as us, leaving the throne open for another species to rise.

So, which species could become Earth’s dominant rulers in our absence? That’s where things get interesting.

The surprising answer: octopuses.

Professor Tim Coulson has shared his thoughts on what species may one day rule the world SWNS

"Octopuses are among the most intelligent, adaptable, and resourceful creatures on Earth," the biology expert noted, highlighting their extraordinary qualities.

He continued: "Their ability to solve complex problems, communicate with one another in flashes of colour, 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."

Professor Coulson added: "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."

It’s certainly not what most of us would have expected, but the idea is undeniably intriguing.

Octopuses could become 'the brains of the sea', says Professor Coulson Getty Stock

While Professor Coulson puts his faith in octopuses potentially becoming “the brains of the sea,” he did acknowledge that evolution is impossible to predict with absolute certainty, especially over such long timeframes.

If you’re worried about octopuses rising to power anytime soon, don’t be. Humans aren’t expected to go extinct for millions of years—so there’s plenty of time to prepare (or not).

In the meantime, someone might want to pitch a new film franchise idea: Planet of the Octopuses. It’s a natural follow-up to Planet of the Apes, right?