Mothra

Thanks, one solid answer! It could be that it used to be an advantage at some point and now it's just perpetuated

SkaveRat is addressing my original question: I'm asking if there is an advantageous reason for this phenomenon. You seem to suggest it's a spandrel at best, and fair enough, that could be the answer. It probably is a spandrel, I also believe that.

However spandrels usually don't reduce future chances or reproduction, and this one clearly does, so I was asking perhaps there is an advantage to this feature (not a spandrel then). Or at least an explanation for its existence from a genetic perspective, ie. the genes triggering the self destructing behavior are also the same ones responsible for a major survivability feature.

The reason behind spandrels existing can sometimes be explained other than "random", as it happens with the human chin for example - apparently someone figured out it's physically impossible for a chin not to appear if you are deforming maxillary bones to flatten into a face.

So far here nobody knows for sure about the octopus, and I gather it's because science doesn't yet have a consensus on the matter. But everyone has been quick to assure me it's just random and that there isn't anything else to it without any scientific backing.

Thank you, so far you're the only one addressing my question. The answer could very well be that it's a spandrel, but just like you said it would be speculation like anything else- nobody here daring to say "nobody in the scientific community has a solid theory, we don't know for sure"

According to the article the females don't fare any better either.

I didn't know this about octopi, what's the point, evolutionarily, to self destruct after reproducing?

Looking down on y'all neigh-sayers

What's the context and age? Does she laugh at your jokes more than with other people's jokes? Really it's hard to know because you need to first establish the person's baseline.

Like for example whoever suggested the hair behind the ear thing, it could be, but it also could be that they do that too often. I'm one of these too oftens for hair behind the ear and I tend to gesture more at my ears too because I can't always hear perfectly.

So, yeah there's a hundred tell tale signs but you first need to have something to compare them to.

This was interesting but I was also hoping the study was on the human hormones, not just the cat's

You're clearly an expert then, don't hold back

Wait is there a song about podcasts and necromancy?

I'm with you, mine probably worse even haha

Exactly my thoughts.... They're so big on selling you "freedom" with their marketing campaigns, now they push ads inside your car? Facepalm

Thanks for your feedback. I'm always open to suggestions on how to improve my English, that is, if you're still able to provide constructive criticism after your stroke.