How would an aquatic society ever reach high levels of technology without fire?

Question

Funny the things you can suddenly think up! But this is bothering me.

Answer 1

Heat can be generated chemically, without fire. Octopi can uscrew a lid from a jar so, physically at least, they have the ability to use tools. Ocean water is full of naturally occurring minerals and chemicals (natural resources).

Given enough time and the right set of circumstances I think an aquatic society could develop technology.

Answer 2

yes, it would be difficult, but if the aquatic society could just come up to the land for a short while and work with fire on small islands, it is possible. Like people work in a radiative environment for short times.

Answer 3

Their technology would probably never be based on the manufacture of advanced tools (i.e. metal working). Even Bronze Age or Copper Age artifacts would be beyond their capabilities.

However, they might possibly advance through biological technology - selective breeding of the abundant life forms available to them. Perhaps they could get coral or shellfish to grow into the shapes of whatever tools they needed, or even to form shelters for them. Even weapons or medicines might be formed in this way, and domestication of various marine critters might be feasible.

Even though they might not ever get fire or metal tools, they might develop advanced systems in other areas.

Answer 4

Hmm... just for fun... An "aquatic society" could certainly use heat sources such as underwater geothermal vents that can generate heat, or related marine magma flows.... lol

Answer 5

It wouldn't. Dolphins are intelligent highly socialized sentient creatures without technology or even simple tool use.

Answer 6

Perhaps that's why there isn't an aquatic society.

Answer 7

finding a difernt source of energy perhaps hidraulic power for a start

Answer 8

by useing ones brain