This episode features Dr. Sarah McAnulty, a biologist and squid scientist who helped to create Skype A Scientist.

We hope you enjoyed listening to our interview with Dr. Sarah McAnulty, a biologist and squid scientist, author of The Inkcredible Cephalopod Coloring Book, and founder of Skype a Scientist, an organization that provides opportunities to connect people to a variety of scientific experts.

Complete the activities below to learn more about one of the oldest and most interesting creatures on our planet Earth, find out about their cool adaptations and unique characteristics, and take action to make a difference in protecting squid and other endangered marine life.

Squid Anotomy and Significance

Squid are invertebrates, meaning they are animals without a backbone or spine. They belong to the cephalopod family, which includes other marine animals like octopuses and cuttlefish. Cephalopods are known for their large heads, multiple arms or tentacles, ability to change color and shape, and remarkable intelligence. Interestingly, the word “squid” can be used to refer to one squid or a group of squid, but if you’re talking about different types of squid, you’d say “squids.” Squid come in a wide variety of sizes, ranging from just a few inches to more than 70 feet long!

Most of a squid’s body is a muscular, tube-shaped structure called the mantle. Long ago, squid had hard outer shells like snails, but over millions of years, these evolved into a softer, internal structure called a pen, which protects their organs. Squid have two long, strong tentacles that stay hidden until they shoot out to grab prey. These tentacles, lined with suction cups, pull the prey toward the squid’s shorter arms, which pass it to the mouth. The squid’s mouth contains a sharp beak that it uses to eat. The arms also help the squid steer as it swims, while two wing-like fins on the mantle help with steering and stability. Squid live in oceans all over the world, from shallow coastal waters to the deepest parts of the sea.

There are at least 300 known species of squid, and some have existed for over 500 million years. Squid are culturally, spiritually, and practically important to many people worldwide. In addition to being a food source, squid skin can be used to create materials for art, tools, nets, and clothing. Squid are often featured in art and artifacts, preserving cultural traditions and beliefs. For some Indigenous peoples of the Pacific Islands, Oceania, and the Arctic, squid represent a connection between the physical and spiritual worlds. Stories about squid often symbolize adaptability, transformation, mystery, and cleverness, teaching respect for the unknown forces of nature. Squid are a reminder of how to navigate challenges and adapt to life’s changes.

Squid Adaptations

There are many different types of squid who live in and have adapted to a variety of habitats. Squid adaptations are special features or behaviors that squids have developed through evolution to help them survive in their environment. Squids have many adaptations to evade their predators, catch prey, and advance as a species.

Here is a some examples of squid adaptations:

• Squid that dwell in deep waters have skin that has bioluminescence, or the ability to produce light through a chemical reaction, which can be used for social recognition and for attracting prey.

• Squid have two big eyes, and some can be as big as footballs. Their eyes are designed to help them see upwards and downwards at the same time, and to see in the deep ocean where there is very little light. 

• Squid participate in organized social behavior such as alerting others of danger, hunting in large groups and taking part in social networks. Some squids connect groups while others stay more isolated.

• In murky waters where visibility is limited, squid use tiny hairs on their head and arms for sensing movement in the surrounding water.

• Squid can change colors thanks to their thousands of tiny organs called chromatophores which contain pigments. These organs are controlled by the squid’s muscles, in order to communicate with each other and to camouflage themselves in their environment.

• Squids can release ink composed of mucus and melanin. Some species have developed specialized strategies, such as creating a large ink cloud to obscure the view of a predator or prey. Others produce a blob-like decoy that distracts predators, luring them toward the fake target instead of the squid.

• Squids swim by rapidly expelling water from their mantle cavity through a funnel, generating a jet that propels them in the opposite direction. Their large nerve cells allow for fast reflexes. They have three hearts: two branchial hearts to oxygenate their gills, and one that circulates oxygenated blood throughout the body. Squids are among the fastest marine invertebrates, capable of rapid bursts of speed, which varies by species. Some scientists claim they can go 25 miles per hour.

Skype A Scientist

Newton’s Third Law of Motion says that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. This means that when you push on something, it pushes back with the same amount of force, but in the opposite direction. Squids use this law to swim by shooting water out of their bodies, which pushes them forward. This same idea helps explain how rockets launch into space, how birds fly, and even how cars move. It’s an important rule that helps us understand many things in nature, science, and technology.

Many scientists today draw inspiration from Isaac Newton and other great thinkers from the past. Dr. Sarah McAnulty, recognizing the importance of inspiring the next generation of scientists, wanted kids to learn about careers in science, how science applies to different fields, what it’s like to be a scientist, and answers to their questions. To make this possible, she helped create Skype a Scientist, a program that connects people directly with scientists to share knowledge and spark curiosity. 

Skype a Scientist is a program that connects scientists with classrooms, families, libraries, and other groups around the world through live video chats. It gives people a chance to talk directly with scientists, ask questions, and learn about different areas of science in a fun and interesting way. It helps make science easy to understand and exciting for everyone!

A marine ecosystem is a community of plants, animals, and other organisms that live in the ocean or other large bodies of saltwater. Everything in the ecosystem is interconnected and works together to survive, including fish, coral reefs, seaweed, and even the water itself. Squids play a vital role in maintaining balance in their local ecosystems and in the overall health of the ocean.

As predators, they help regulate populations of smaller marine animals like fish, shrimp, and plankton, using their powerful tentacles to catch prey and their sharp beaks to consume it. As prey, squids are a key food source for larger animals, including whales, seals, dolphins, seabirds, and big fish. Their role as both predator and prey helps maintain the balance of marine life in the ocean.

Humans are also part of the marine ecosystem and food chain because many people eat squid and other sea creatures. However, human activities, such as those that contribute to climate change, can harm squid populations. It’s important for people to protect the balance of the ecosystem, ensuring squid can continue to evolve and play their role in the ocean. After all, everything in nature is connected.

One way to help squid and other marine animals is by supporting sustainable seafood farming. This type of farming raises seafood for people to eat in ways that minimize harm to the ocean and the environment. It involves careful use of resources, protecting local water quality, treating animals responsibly, and making decisions that consider future generations. Some companies follow these practices more closely than others, so it’s important to choose seafood from sources that prioritize sustainability.

People can also practice conscious buying, which means making thoughtful choices about what to purchase to create a positive impact on society, the economy, and the environment. By supporting sustainable practices, we can help protect the ocean and the creatures that call it home.