Question

though it was interested in checking us out, it was also ready, if necessary, to pull the shell down like a lid and disappear into the seafloor. (paragraph 6, \what the octopus knows\) you whirl open to devour prey whole. i would expect nothing less. (lines 9 - 10,
arwhals are real\) what do this quotation and these lines suggest about the difference between an octopus and a narwhal? an octopus can use tools for its protection, but a narwhal cannot. an octopus pauses to evaluate potential threats, but a narwhal does not.

Explanation:

The first quote about the octopus shows it is interested in checking (evaluating) the situation (potential threats) and ready to act if needed. The second quote about the narwhal focuses on its action of devouring prey whole without any indication of pausing to evaluate.

Answer:

An octopus pauses to evaluate potential threats, but a narwhal does not.