Cephalopod Genetics and Evolution

By now I am sure (if you read my blog) that you know cephalopods are awesome. The thing that makes these creatures so amazing is that they have evolved to be top-of-the-line predators through thousands of years of making evolutionary advantages that  eventually lead to them being an important part of most oceanic ecosystems. One of the more useful features is their use of a jet-propelled locomotion system that lets them get away from less than desirable situations very quickly. Another useful mechanism is their astounding ability to rapidly change skin color and texture with great ease. This ability is used for hunting, hiding, and intimidation. One of the more impressive evolution under their belt is the highly sophisticated eyes they possess, which are very keen and much like vertebrate eyes. Possibly the biggest step most have taken is the shedding of their shells. Which now lets them be lightweight and streamlined as well as allowing them to slip into cracks where they can hunt from, and avoid predators.