Dolphins are known for being one of the most intelligent creatures on earth (and in the ocean, of course), and their playful nature makes them a favorite for tourists and animal lovers. If you’re looking to learn more about these fascinating creatures, here are 19 facts you’ll love.
A Dolphin’s Brain is Huge
In the animal kingdom, a dolphin’s brain reigns supreme. It’s actually one of the largest, bigger than a chimpanzee’s, and similar to a human’s in terms of brain-to-body ratio. Dolphins’ brain size is reflected in their high intelligence and problem-solving abilities.
They Have a Complex Social Structure
Another fun fact about dolphins is their social structure: a group of dolphins is called a pod, and these pods can actually house several hundred dolphins at once. Dolphins create strong social relationships, mainly through hunting together in a group.
Their Communication Skills are Very Unique
Dolphins communicate through a series of clicks and whistles, and they depend on echolocation to travel through the ocean and hunt for food. Seaworld says that because dolphins do not have vocal cords, they likely make their variety of sounds through air in the nasal passage.
They Can Mimic Sounds
Additionally, a fascinating fact about dolphin sounds is that they can actually mimic human speech and any other sounds they hear. Each dolphin will also have a signature whistle that’s unique to it, making it identifiable in the same way a name works for a human.
Dolphins Are Exceptional at Acrobatics
If you’ve ever been to a sealife show, you’ll know that dolphins have a particular talent for acrobatics and leaping out of the water to entertain a crowd. They’re capable of learning impressive tricks thanks to their intelligence, including flips and spins.
They’re Capable of Long-Distance Travel
Another surprising fact is that dolphins aren’t against long-distance travel; rather than staying in a home environment with their pods, they’re capable of traveling long distances to search for food and have even been known to cover hundreds of miles to migrate.
Dolphins Have Advanced Hunting Techniques
In order to feed on the fish and squid that make up their diet, dolphins have also been known to work together with humans to hunt fish. Not only that, they can use very advanced techniques to herd their prey in the ocean so they can feed better.
They Can Live Up to 50 Years
Another fascinating fact about these marine creatures is that dolphins have long lifespans and are able to live up to 50 years or more. Typically, a female dolphin will live longer than a male, but that doesn’t stop them from forming permanent bonds with other dolphins within the same pod.
Female Dolphins Have High Maternal Instincts
Female dolphins are known to be extremely protective of their young, but these exceptional maternal instincts don’t end there: surprisingly, dolphins have even been known to adopt orphans from other species, including one bottlenose dolphin caring for a whale calf, reports Oceanographic.
They Have Cultural Behaviors
Dolphins also have cultural behaviors unique to certain pods, which can even be passed down through generations. Behaviors such as a preferred hunting technique are then passed down to dolphin calves, and these techniques can differ depending on the pod.
Dolphins Have an Impressive Memory
Another interesting fact is that dolphins have extremely impressive memories, particularly their long-term memory. This means they can remember another dolphin’s signature whistle even after years of being apart from each other. This impressive memory span allows them to form better social bonds, too.
They Can Pick Up on Environmental Changes
Dolphins are also extremely in tune with their environment, so much so that they’re very sensitive to any changes. This makes it more likely for them to pick up on any issues, too, including a nearby injured human in the water or indicators of any negative health changes in their ecosystem.
Dolphins Have an Incredibly Playful Nature
Dolphins are known to play a lot, whether with other dolphins, toys, objects, or humans. It’s believed they encourage play to help with their cognitive development—which is no surprise when their brains are so big!
Sadly, Many Species are Threatened by Pollution
According to the International Marine Mammal Project, fishing gear and pollution are the biggest threats to dolphins, responsible for over 300,000 marine animal deaths a year. Many ongoing conservation efforts are being made to protect dolphins and restrict fishing practices.
They’ve Physically Adapted to Their Needs
Fascinatingly, dolphins have also physically adapted to be everything they need in an ocean environment. This includes their streamlined bodies, perfect for fast swimming, and their dorsal fin, which helps movement. Not only that, but their thick blubber helps to keep them warm in cold waters.
Dolphins Are Often Used for Therapy for Humans
You may also find it interesting that dolphins have been used within therapeutic settings for humans due to their calming nature and their openness to human interaction. They have a long history of socializing with humans and having positive relationships.
They’ve Contributed to Science
Dolphins have also had a profound effect on science and understanding of marine biology in particular. They provide fascinating insights into animal behavior, dolphin communication, and their high level of intelligence. They’re one of the prime subjects for studies into marine social structures.
A Dolphin’s Anatomy is Fascinating
Not only are dolphins adept at echolocation, but they actually have a whole organ dedicated to helping with it: the melon! This specialized organ is used for communication, and it also has vision, which allows dolphins to see both in and out of water.
Dolphin Form Friendships and Unusual Bonds
For our final fascinating fact, we reveal that dolphins have been known to make friends with other marine animals, including whales. They’ll play with and rescue other animals, and dolphins can even identify their friends via taste, says National Geographic.
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