Dolphins are much more than the playful performers you see at aquariums. While we often think of them as smiling swimmers, their intelligence rivals that of humans in many ways. They actually give each other unique names and can remember their friends for decades. It is also surprising to learn that they evolved from land ancestors that walked on four legs, which means they are biologically closer to hippos than to sharks. Let’s explore the life of the ocean's smartest mammal.
Dolphins
Dolphins possess the ability to sleep with only half of their brain at a time. Therefore, they keep one eye open to watch for predators while they rest the other side.
They give each other unique names in the form of specific whistles. Remarkably, they answer when others call them by their personal sound, just like humans respond to names.
Killer Whales actually belong to the dolphin family, not the whale family. Biologically, the Orca stands as the largest species of dolphin on the planet.
They consciously decide when to take every single breath. Unlike humans, who breathe automatically, dolphins must stay awake to ensure they do not drown.
Dolphins use toxic pufferfish to enter a trance-like state. Apparently, they pass the fish around like a toy to absorb small amounts of the nerve toxin.
They can recognize themselves in a mirror. Thus, they join a very exclusive club of animals that possess true self-awareness and consciousness.
The US Navy trains them to find underwater mines. Strategically, their echolocation detects metal objects far better than any machine humans have invented.
Amazon River dolphins turn pink as they get older. Specifically, scar tissue from rough play and fighting causes this distinct color change in the males.
They evolved from land animals that looked like small wolves. Astonishingly, their skeleton still contains two small pelvic bones that are leftovers from their ancient legs.
Dolphins swallow their food whole without chewing. Although they have teeth, they use them only to grab slippery fish before they gulp them down.
They do not drink seawater because it would make them sick. Instead, they get all the fresh water they need from the fish and squid they eat.
Mothers sing to their babies while they are in the womb. Consequently, the calf learns its mother’s signature whistle before it is even born.
They shed the top layer of their skin every two hours. This rapid turnover keeps their bodies smooth and aerodynamic for fast swimming.
Dolphins demonstrate empathy and often help other species. Frequently, reports surface of dolphins saving humans or dogs from sharks or drowning.
They have no sense of smell. However, their sense of hearing is ten times better than a human’s to compensate for this lack.
