Background Information
The Giant Squid is a part of the cephalopod group of mollusks. This type of squid had not been observed in their natural habitat until very recently. The picture to the left is from Natural Geographic and it shows one of the first observations of the Giant Squid in their habitats. The Giant Squid, like many other squids, contains dark ink to keep predators away. Their are many myths about the Giant Squid sinking or crushing ships, but their is not enough known about the Giant Squid to suggest the danger they pose. Many scientists do think that they are predators, but others say that they are very misunderstood creatures. We do know, however, that they are very big, and that their complex nervous system makes
them very smart and intelligent.
them very smart and intelligent.
Nervous System
The nervous system of a Giant Squid is actually very complex. This type of squid has a highly developed brain, and it is the second largest mollusk in the world. A Giant Squids' "brain" is actually called a giant axon. This giant axon is the center of their nervous system. The brain is formed by the concentration of ganglia. Their brains contain a lot of definite centers of control for specific body parts and activities. The Giant Squid also has a well-developed associational center. The nervous system of the Giant Squid has a set of giant neurons that provide for fast coordination mainly in their arms (tentacles). The Giant Squid is actually one of the smartest mollusks out there. Because of the Giant Squid's large brain and highly developed nervous system, they are of great interest to scientists.