Scientist reveals the specific creature most likely to 'rule Earth' if humans become extinct

While it's long been believed that robots will one day take over the world, one scientist has hedged his bets on a marine life species becoming Earth's next ruler.

We've all seen movies like Terminator, The Mitchells vs. The Machines, and I, Robot, but Professor Tim Coulson has shared his views on what (or who) might take over our planet when we're gone, and it's not technology.

Professor Coulson, who is Zoology professor and former head of Biology and Oxford University, has a new book titled The Universal History of Us, which delves into the science of life and our existence.

As well all know, humans are currently the dominant species on Earth - but should we go extinct, Professor Coulson explained that 'other species could gradually take on new ecological roles'.

"Life will likely persist on Earth for another billion years, so I pondered which species might take our place, building the first non-human civilzation," he told The European.

Primates are the most human-like animals that live alongside us, arguably making them the perfect successor for if or when we got extinct.

However, Professor Coulson explained that their similarities to humans may work against them and there's a chance they'll go extinct at the same time we do.

So what species could be Earth's new prominent species, I hear you ask?

Octopuses, apparently.

"Octopuses are among the most intelligent, adaptable, and resourceful creatures on Earth," the biology expert said.

"Their ability to solve complex problems, communicate with one another in flashes of colour, manipulate objects, and even camouflage themselves with stunning precision suggests that, given the right environmental conditions, they could evolve into a civilisation-building species following the extinction of humans.

"Their advanced neural structure, decentralized nervous system, and remarkable problem-solving skills make several species of octopus well suited for an unpredictable world.

"These qualities could allow them to exploit new niches and adapt to a changing planet, especially in the absence of human influence."

Who would have thought?

While Professor Coulson would put his money on octopuses filling our shoes one day and becoming 'the brains of the sea', he did note that it is 'impossible to predict with any degree of certainty how evolution will unfold over extended periods'.

For anyone worried that octopuses might take over in the near future, fear not as humans are not expected to go extinct for a few million years yet.

BRB, off to call Tim Burton to suggest a Planet of the Octopuses film franchise (so long, Planet of the Apes).