Cognitive Ability Of Dolphins Essay

883 words - 4 pages

Dolphins are perhaps the most intelligent aquatic animals on earth. Through their dynamic social structure, complexity of communication tactics, and emotional intelligence, it is no wonder tht dolphins inhabit every ocean in the world, as well as many freshwater rivers, in the same way humans have populated every continent. The cognitive abilities that dolphins possess undoubtedly are remarkable, thus what makes them the smartest aquatic animal on the planet.
Large brain size in mammals has been related to the number and complexity of social relationships. Dolphins are highly social animals consistent with humans, great apes and other creatures displaying high levels of intelligence. They are frequently observed as having highly dynamic social relationships that intertwine fluidity, flexibility, and security. Although membership within a pod can be fluid and flexible in means to accomplish a common goal, other times strong bonds are formed. This can be witnessed through dolphins’ refusal to abandon injured or ill individuals. Within these pods, dolphins maintain security through their immediate social network—consisting of a few close companions and more casual relationships. In these groups the dolphins work together to survive while looking out for the well being of one another. Dolphin calves are among the few species that are taught survival skills as well as culture by their mothers. Mother dolphins teach their young to hunt through playful-looking movements, pointing gestures, and repetition— which often takes up to eight times longer to capture prey. This is done for learning purposes of calves in order to acquire knowledge through observation and repetition. This transfer of knowledge is commonly referred to as the ‘theory of mind’; a concept of cognition that allows a dolphin to predict a situation based on understanding. In addition to learning to hunt, dolphins are also taught the culture of the pod—through the enforcement of discipline, the necessity for cooperation within the pod, and the adaptation to the different personalities of each of the pod’s members. Complex recreation is another important part of dolphin social structure. At times dolphins can be seen surfing the waves next to boats, playing with seaweed, blowing bubbles rings, and even performing acrobatic tricks. Frequently dolphins are witnessed interacting with other creatures such as whales and humans.
Dolphins are taught to communicate through sound imitation and are among the most vocal of animals. Different forms of vocal pitches and sounds are used for varieties of different tasks. Dolphins use signature whistles, whistles similar to names, as individual identifiers to communicate and respond to other dolphins. This whistle is also used to coordinate hunts. Not only can dolphins produce their own signature whistles but they are also capable of reproducing the...

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