DOLPHIN PEERS

DOLPHIN PEERS 

Dolphins are known to use a technique called shelling to capture prey

They trap small fish into empty shells

They learn such tool use from their peers - members of their own generation and not just from their mothers 

Dolphin is a common name of aquatic mammals within the infraorder Cetacea

There are 40 extant species named as dolphins

Dolphins use their conical shaped teeth to capture fast moving prey. They have well-developed hearing which is adapted for both air and water

Feed largely on fish and squid 

Dolphins are highly social animals, often living in pods of up to a dozen individuals

In places with a high abundance of food, pods can merge temporarily, forming a superpod;

Membership in pods is not rigid; interchange is common

Most prefer the warmer waters of the tropic zones, but some, like the right whale dolphin, prefer colder climates

They have a layer of fat, or blubber, under the skin to keep warm in the cold water

Dolphins frequently leap above the water surface. When travelling, jumping can save the dolphin energy as there is less friction while in the air. This type of travel is known as porpoising. Other reasons include orientation, social displays, fighting, non-verbal communication, entertainment and attempting to dislodge parasites

Male dolphins typically mate with multiple females every year, but females only mate every two to three years

Dolphins communicate using a variety of clicks, whistle-like sounds and other vocalizations

Dolphins also use nonverbal communication by means of touch and posturing

 

Dolphins show various types of playful behaviour, often including objects, self-made bubble rings, other dolphins or other animals

Dolphins are often regarded as one of Earth's most intelligent animals

Dolphins are known to teach, learn, cooperate, scheme, and grieve.