Dolphins
have fascinated human observers for millennia. These graceful and
playful aquatic mammals are highly intelligent and can interact in
meaningful ways with humans and other animals. Here are five
little-known facts about dolphins.
Just
Whistle
Dolphins
use whistles to identify themselves and to locate friends in the
wild. Each dolphin develops a unique whistle that serves as its name.
Research studies have shown that dolphins can immediately recognize
their own identifying whistle and the whistles that represent their
pod-mates.
A
Sixth Sense
Along
with the expected five senses, dolphins also use a form of sonar to
detect and identify other creatures under the water. This allows them
to distinguish humans and other mammals from the normal predators and
prey found in their natural environment.
Tickled
Pink
One
unusual species of dolphin lives in the larger river systems of South
America. Its pinkish hue and tolerance for freshwater sets the Amazon
River dolphin apart from most other aquatic mammals.
Just
Breathe
Unlike
humans, dolphins have no automatic breathing response and must
consciously decide when to breathe. This prevents the use of general
anesthesia when providing medical treatments for captive dolphins, as
they will die from lack of oxygen.
Half
Awake
Dolphins
shut down just half of their brain's processing power when they
sleep. The other half ensures continued breathing and prevents
drowning during dolphin downtime.
Protecting
the natural habitats of dolphins can ensure the survival of these
remarkable creatures.
