Dolphins

Dolphins: The Intelligent Marine Mammals

Dolphins, closely related to whales and porpoises, derive their name from the Greek word “delphus,” meaning womb, signifying their status as mammals. With nearly forty species found worldwide, dolphins are carnivores, primarily feeding on fish and squid. Belonging to the family Delphinidae, dolphins evolved from terrestrial mammals approximately ten million years ago.

Highly Developed Senses

Dolphins possess highly developed senses, including acute eyesight both in and out of the water, and hearing capabilities extending beyond the upper limit of adult human hearing by tenfold or more. Echolocation, a critical aspect of dolphin sensory perception, aids in locating objects underwater. While the exact mechanism remains mysterious, dolphin teeth are believed to serve as antennae, receiving incoming sound and pinpointing an object’s location. This sense of touch, particularly concentrated around the snout, pectoral fins, and genital area, further enhances their perception abilities. However, dolphins lack an olfactory nerve, rendering them devoid of a sense of smell. Despite this, they possess a discernible sense of taste, displaying preferences for certain types of fish.

Communication Through Sound

Dolphins exhibit a diverse range of vocalizations, including clicks, whistle-like sounds, and other vocalizations, facilitated by nasal air sacs located below the blowhole. Clicks, crucial for echolocation, are emitted in directed sequences known as click trains, with their rate increasing as dolphins approach objects of interest. Notably, dolphin echolocation clicks rank among the loudest sounds produced by marine animals.