Through the Wormhole Season 5 Episode 5 Does the Ocean Think?

Through the Wormhole season 5 episode 5, titled "Does the Ocean Think?" explores the idea of the ocean as a sentient being. The episode delves into the theory that the world's oceans may not simply be large bodies of water, but may actually possess consciousness and intelligence that rival our own.

The first part of the episode highlights the complexity and immense scale of the ocean, emphasizing that over 70% of the earth's surface is covered by water. This introduces the idea that if anything on earth were to have sentience, it might very well be the ocean. The episode then introduces several scientists and researchers who have been studying this topic and presents their theories on how it's possible for the ocean to think.

One theory is that the ocean behaves similarly to a brain, and is able to process information just like our own minds do. Due to the vast array of living organisms that reside in the ocean, this theory posits that perhaps the ocean is more like a "super-organism" than a simple body of water. The episode then introduces the idea that just as we share a collective consciousness, so too might the creatures living in the ocean. This could suggest that the ocean as a whole might possess consciousness.

Another idea the episode explores is that the ocean works as a giant nervous system, with all the different currents and tides acting as neurons. This theory posits that it's not just the creatures living in the ocean that give it sentience, but it's also the behavior of the water itself. To support this theory, the episode examines how the largest creatures on earth, like whales, rely on the rhythm and patterns of the ocean for their migration and general survival.

The episode also touches on other factors that might support the idea of the ocean as a sentient being. It looks at the role of water in spiritual beliefs, and how various cultures throughout history have viewed the ocean as a life force or deity. Additionally, the episode examines how the ocean has a direct impact on the world's weather patterns, and how the ocean's ability to store and move heat has a profound effect on the climate.

Finally, the episode addresses the question of whether or not we should be treating the ocean with more respect if it is, in fact, a sentient being. It raises the question of whether or not our pollution of the ocean is harming something that might be more intelligent and important than we realize.

Overall, "Does the Ocean Think?" provides a fascinating exploration of a unique idea about our world, backed up by real scientific research and thought-provoking theories. Whether or not viewers believe the ocean is sentient, this episode is sure to leave them thinking about the complex relationship we have with our planet's waters.