Combine any like terms in the expression. If there are no like terms, rewrite the expression.

To combine the like terms in the expression \( 8a^3 + 2b^2 + b^2 \), we first identify the like terms.

The terms \( 2b^2 \) and \( b^2 \) are like terms because they both contain \( b^2 \).

Now, we can combine them:

\[ 2b^2 + b^2 = 3b^2 \]

So, the expression becomes:

\[ 8a^3 + 3b^2 \]

Thus, the simplified expression is:

\[ 8a^3 + 3b^2 \]