Dolphins are fascinating water creatures. They are believed to be as smart as apes, perhaps even more intelligent. They also exhibit several human-like behaviors, such as complex communication patterns, tribe formation, and playfulness!
In today’s post we will go over 7 interesting dolphin facts. Check out the video version by clicking HERE.
Fact #1- Tons of Species
There are 40 known species of dolphins in the oceans of the world. Most live in shallow areas of temperate & tropical oceans.
Did you know there are 5 known species of dolphins that actually live in rivers? Dolphins are typically thought of as an Ocean-only species, but there are dolphins found living in rivers too!
Fact #2- Hungry Carnivores
Dolphins are carnivores. Fish, squid, and crustaceans are all things included in their prey. A 250 pound dolphin eats about 30 pounds of fish per day! They need a lot of food!
Fact #3- Intelligence
The evolution of dolphin brains is surprisingly similar to humans. They are at least as smart as apes, playful, and exhibit several primitive human-like behaviors. For example, they will play in large groups.
Fact #4- Social Groups
Dolphins are highly social & communicative just like humans. They will create groups that hunt and play together! Large “pods” of dolphins can have thousands of members.
Fact #5- Amazing Eyesight & Hearing
Dolphins have acute eyesight both underwater and outside of water. They hear frequencies at least 10x the upper limit of adult humans. This increase in seeing & hearing is great, but unlike humans they can’t smell.
Fact #6- Their Shocking Enemy
Humans are dolphin’s #1 threat. Pollution, fishing, and hunting, and other human activities have put several dolphin species at risk. Their main threat is not from other water life.
In 2006 for example, the Yangtze River dolphin was named functionally extinct. If we don’t clean up our act, more dolphin species may become extinct!
Fact #7- Dolphins Need Air
Dolphins are considered mammals just like humans. They need to breathe air just like us which is why they stick to shallow water. Dolphins must regularly reach the surface to breathe otherwise they will drown!
Have a great day!
-Wildlife x Team International