第2469期:How octopuses can be strict managers

Octopuses are usually considered to be solitary creatures, but this study suggests they may have richer social lives than previously thought. 

章鱼通常被认为是独居动物，但这个研究表明它们的社交生活可能比此前人们认为的更加丰富。

Researchers found they work together with different species of fish when hunting for prey, even making decisions on behalf of the pack and sharing leadership responsibilities. But things don't always go swimmingly. Scientists witnessed octopuses punching fish in the group, apparently, as a way of making them work harder and keeping them on task. 

研究者发现，章鱼在捕猎时会和不同种类的鱼合作，甚至为这个群体作出决策并承担领导职能。但事情并不总是一帆风顺。科学家观察到，章鱼似乎会击打团队中的鱼，目的是为了让它们继续完成任务并且更加卖力地捕猎。 

The authors of the study say it shows that when it comes to sentience, octopuses are closer to humans than previously thought.

这项研究的论文作者表示，章鱼的感知能力比先前估计的更接近人类。

词汇表

solitary 独自的
richer 更丰富的
prey 猎物
pack （动物的）群体
leadership responsibilities 领导职能
go swimmingly （某事）顺利进行，一帆风顺
keeping… on task 让…继续工作
sentience 感知能力
than previously thought 比先前所想的更…