DOLPHINS

Made by Bujor Mihaela

Dolphins are a widely distributed and diverse group of aquatic mammals.
There are 40 extant species of dolphins. Dolphins range in size from the 1.7 m long and
50 kg to the 9.5 m and 10 t. Several species exhibit sexual dimorphism, in that the males are
larger than females. They have streamlined bodies and two limbs that are modified into flippers.
Though not quite as flexible as seals, some dolphins can travel at 55.5 km/h.Dolphins use their
conical shaped teeth to capture the prey. They have well-developed hearing which is adapted for
both air and water and is so well developed that some can survive even if they are blind. Some
species are well adapted for diving to great depths. They have a layer of fat, or blubber, under
the skin to keep warm in the cold water.
 Ocean dolphins River dolphins

Dusky dolphin
Amazon river dolphin

Tucuxi

Atlantic spotted dolphin

Araguaian river dolphin

Guiana dolphin
 Behavior
Dolphins are well known for their agility and playful behavior, making them a
favorite of wildlife watchers. Many species will leap out of the water, spy-hop
(rise vertically out of the water to view their surroundings) and follow ships,
often synchronizing their movements with one another.
13 FACTS ABOUT DOLPHINS
1.THEY STICK WITH THEIR MOTHERS FOR A
LONG TIME
It is in the nature of the dolphins to stick with
their mothers for a long time before they leave
their pack. Some stay with their mothers for 3 or
even 8 years!
 2.DOLPHINS HAVE 2 STOMACHS
e is used for storage of food and the other is used for digestion.
3.THEY DIVE UP TO 1,000 FEET
Dolphins are known to be great divers. Being
creatures of the sea, they can dive up to 1,000 feet
underwater.
4.DOLPHINS CAN LIVE UP TO 50 YEARS!
Even though the average lifespan of dolphins is
about 17 years, some can even live up to 50 years!
5.THERE ARE AROUND 40 SPECIES OF DOLPHINS
There are many types of dolphins, around 40 different
species. While the majority of them spend their lives in
saltwater, many can survive just fine in
freshwater. The smallest of their kind is 3-4 feet long,
while the largest is 30 feet!
6.DOLPHINS HELP THE SICK OR INJURED MEMBERS
These caring creatures are often seen tending to the
sick, the old and the injured in their group, which is
known as ‘pod’.
7.EXTREMELY INTELLIGENT ANIMALS
They are not only the friendliest or caring creatures but
also the most intelligent ones. It is believed by scientists
that comparing the ratio size of brain to body, dolphins
take the 2nd place right after the humans!
8.DOLPHINS NEVER CHEW THEIR FOOD
Dolphins never chew their food, they swallow it as a
whole. Their teeth are used only to catch their prey.
9.THEY GIVE THEMSELVES NAMES
It has been proved by scientists that dolphins give
themselves names. They develop their own individual
whistles and they recognize theirs and other dolphins’
names.
10.THEY SLEEP WITH ONLY HALF THEIR BRAIN
When they are asleep, one part of their brain remains
alert and awake. This keeps them safe from potential
predators, and enables them to breathe while sleeping.
11.DOLPHINS ARE VERY FRIENDLY TO HUMANS
AND ANIMALS
They love to play with members of their pods and are
friendly to even humans. They are often seen playing
and teasing other animals living underwater.
12.KILLER WHALES ARE THE BIGGEST KIND OF
DOLPHIN
Opposite to their name, Killer Whales belong to
the dolphin family. Killer Whales, reaching up to a
length of 30 feet, are the biggest of their kind.
13.SOME CAN SWIM AT 20 MILES PER HOUR
They can swim at the rate of 3 to 7 miles per hour. Some
exceedthat and travel at the speed of 20 miles per hour.