For example, cephalopods have an unparalleled ability to edit their RNA, the molecules that provide essential functions such as transferring information and making proteins.

Coleoid Cephalopod Paleontology Publication Trend The graph below shows the total number of publications each year in Coleoid Cephalopod Paleontology.

Nautiloids—a lineage of ancient, externally-shelled cephalopods that diverged from their octopus and squid relatives over 400 million years ago—once dominated our oceans.

Even sites like Fezouata, known for its diverse array of well-preserved invertebrates, rarely yield them. That makes the tube-encrusted cephalopod a tantalizing glimpse into a living ecosystem.

Octopuses and squid are full of cephalopod character. But more scientists are making the case that cuttlefish hold the key to unlocking evolutionary secrets about intelligence.