Bottlenose Dolphins. Photos and sightings of bottlenose dolphins
Dolphins have long been one of the most beloved ocean animals by humans. They have high intelligence and a cheerful, friendly disposition. Most of us associate dolphins with funny acrobatic performances at the dolphinarium. However, some countries are seriously concerned about keeping dolphins in captivity and are even passing laws to protect them.
Why have dolphins earned such respect among many nations and become an integral part of human culture? Let's try to figure it out by studying interesting facts about these wonderful animals.
Dolphin in an enclosure.
India has become the fourth country to ban the keeping of dolphins in captivity. Previously, Costa Rica, Hungary and Chile took similar measures. Indians call dolphins “a person or person of other origin than homo sapiens.” Accordingly, the “person” must have its own rights, and its exploitation for commercial purposes is legally unacceptable. Scientists who analyze animal behavior (ethologists) say that it is very difficult to determine the line separating human intelligence and emotions from the nature of dolphins.
The dolphin is the only mammal whose birth literally begins with the tail, and not with the head! Young dolphins stay with their mother for two or three years.
In nature, there are almost forty species of dolphins, their closest relatives are whales and sea cows. Dolphins evolved relatively recently - about ten million years ago, during the Miocene. Most dolphin species live in salt water, but there are also freshwater animals.
Adult dolphins range in size from 1.2 m in length and weight from 40 kg (river dolphin) to 9.5 m and 10 tons (killer whale). The brain is the largest organ in a dolphin's body. During sleep, part of the brain is awake, allowing the dolphin to breathe in its sleep to avoid drowning. The life of a dolphin directly depends on access to oxygen.
Dolphins have a weak sense of smell, but excellent vision and absolutely unique hearing. Producing powerful sound pulses, they are capable of echolocation, which allows them to perfectly navigate in the water, find each other and get food.
Dolphins can swim at speeds of up to 25 miles per hour for long periods of time. That's about three times faster than the world's fastest swimmers.
They also love to do... surfing! For example, surfing dolphins can often be observed off the coast of Hawaii.
The history of interaction between man and dolphin begins with the first mention of these animals. It was recently discovered that the body language of dolphins closely follows the rules of human verbal communication. Communication with dolphins has a positive effect on the human body, especially on the child’s psyche. British experts came to this conclusion back in 1978. Since that time, the development of “dolphin therapy” began. It is now used to treat many physical and mental illnesses, including autism. Swimming with dolphins relieves chronic pain, improves immunity and even helps children develop speech.
A dolphin and a pregnant woman off the coast of Ixtapa, Mexico. Ixtapa, MexicoPicture: CATERS
An absolutely unique feature of dolphins is that they can “look inside” a person, like an ultrasound device: for example, they quickly determine a woman’s pregnancy. The feeling of “new life” often excites dolphins very emotionally; they react violently and joyfully to pregnant women. As a rule, pregnant women are not allowed to swim in enclosures (although this may be the best time for socializing), so as not to take away the animals' attention from other visitors and to avoid an involuntary "emotional attack" on the unborn baby.
A touching example of human care for animals: a 10-day-old dolphin who lost its mother is being fed at the shelter.
He already has a best friend - a little penguin.
Dolphins easily and friendly communicate with other animals, and they reciprocate.
Dolphins study a tiger cub at a safari park in Ginseng, China.
An incredibly romantic fact from the “personal” life of dolphins - ethologists studying Amazon dolphins have discovered that males give gifts to potential partners. So, what gift is waiting for a female dolphin to consider a male as a candidate for procreation? Of course, a bouquet of river algae!
Due to their graceful beauty, dolphins have become popular models for photographers from all over the world. Let's see if looking at stunning photographs of these animals also has an effect similar to “dolphin therapy”?
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The sea and marine animals are endowed with enormous attractive power. From time immemorial, the water and ocean elements have been both a source of benefit and a carrier of threats for humans. And if only a few people can find something attractive in fish and algae, then few will remain indifferent to dolphins.
Do dolphins provide interesting facts for children? Undoubtedly. And first of all, this is a fairly high level of their intellectual development compared to the vast majority of other living beings.
Biologists have found out that dolphins have a rather complex system of signals (not a “language,” as copper-headed adherents of mysticism stubbornly call it, but still this system is more complex than that of ordinary fish). This is not surprising, because mammals are evolutionarily more advanced. The study of dolphin abilities is insufficient: experiments give sharply contradictory results.
What should you know about dolphins?
First of all, these are not fish, but aquatic animals (beasts). Moreover, aquatic animals swim extremely fast. The dolphin can easily compete with many types of ships. The popular belief is that they jump out of the water to have fun or express joy. This is a mistake. In fact, dolphins need jumping to increase their speed for a short time when hunting for fish (since the air is a less dense medium).
The seas of our planet are home to at least seventy species of “shiny beaked fish.” They all have smooth skin, which allows them to move quickly in the water and with a minimum of effort.
Dolphins present interesting facts for children and others. For example, differences between species are not only in mass and color, but also in the shape of the nose. All dolphins live only in warm seas. At the same time, there is an opinion that they are inclined to protect people from danger. Eleven years ago, four New Zealand rescuers were protected from a white shark by a school of bottlenose dolphins for forty minutes.
It is interesting that dolphins always hunt in schools and are incapable of surviving alone. Moreover, the group of dolphins numbers approximately one hundred individuals. If one of them gets sick and cannot surface, the others push her up into the air.
A separate topic is the so-called Gray paradox. Before the Second World War, James Gray found that the speed of dolphins reaches thirty-seven kilometers per hour. It is impossible to achieve it with muscular strength alone. And only by the seventies in the USSR it was possible to clarify the biological mechanism that helps to do this.
It is often said about dolphins that they are the smartest, kindest and most sympathetic creatures, as opposed to . Dolphins have saved people more than once, showing dexterity and intelligence. By and large, despite the huge number interesting facts about dolphins, we know very little about them. One thing is certain, dolphins are intelligent. Perhaps they are the most intelligent creatures on the planet. To communicate, they use a language consisting of 14 thousand signals. Dolphins have larger brains than humans and are more complex.
People have noticed that the dolphin can be useful to humanity. They are already used for treatment and solving civil and military problems. Let us hope that they will not find themselves in the role of passive slaves, like horses, in the service of human interests.
There is a great film made about dolphins, I recommend watching it:
Dolphin therapy is used to treat ailments that cannot be treated with medication and physical therapy. Children with diseases of the nervous system, neurological and psychological disorders feel better after interacting with dolphins.
The ultrasound emitted by dolphins acts similar to sonopheresis. Unlike procedures where laboratory installations are used, the ultrasound produced by dolphins is “live” and works better. Do not confuse simple communication with dolphins and therapy. To carry out treatment using dolphins, an individual program is required, regular swimming together, in the presence of a doctor-instructor. Rehabilitation of adults using dolphin therapy is also possible. Centers where therapeutic sessions are conducted exist at dolphinariums. In Crimea there is an International Dolphin Therapy Center and a balneology and rehabilitation center. Being in a familiar atmosphere, in sea water, dolphins give patients their kindness, helping them adapt to life. Truly interesting creations, by the way, I advise you to read it as well
The first experiments in training dolphins to perform military tasks were undertaken at the beginning of the 20th century. Dolphins have been serving in the US Armed Forces for many years. The Vietnam War, Operation Desert Storm, Iraqi fighting - everywhere there was work for these cute mammals. Currently, India, China, and Japan are showing interest in dolphins as a means of performing military tasks.
During the Soviet years, the USSR base for training dolphins was located in Sevastopol. Interesting fact - dolphins turned out to be completely unsuitable for attacking the enemy and for the role of kamikaze. They refused to carry out actions that directly threatened their death or injured people. But they successfully discovered mines covered with silt and sand. This task was beyond the capabilities of even experienced divers. When searching, dolphins do not use vision, but echolocation, which allows them to detect objects that are invisible to the eye. Having found the desired object, the dolphins dropped the buoy, marking the location of the find. The divers could only search well in the indicated place.
While in cages, the dolphins, having discovered a stranger in the water area, gave signals and indicated the direction where to look. When in the water, the results of dolphin detection of a diver reach 100%. Prepared individuals can detect the enemy, detain him, remove his mask and lift him to the surface.
Of course, the dolphins' capabilities are not limited to helping the military. They can provide invaluable assistance when conducting underwater research. Already, these smart mammals are taking photographs, helping researchers find sunken ships and archaeological sites. It is planned to use dolphins to monitor gas pipelines laid under water.
Many dolphins are also found in the Maldives. In these beautiful places at dawn you can often see whole flocks of these beautiful mammals. By the way, I wonder how much a trip to the Maldives costs?
Dolphins are rightfully considered the most intelligent creatures of the deep sea. Dolphins belong to the group of mammals. They feed their young with milk. In addition, dolphins communicate with each other using sounds. They also understand people very well and are trainable. There are cases in history when dolphins saved people. Therefore, we suggest further viewing more interesting and surprising facts about dolphins.
1. Dolphins are considered the most popular and most amazing animals among all types of marine animals.
2. These sea creatures are famous for their cheerful character and high intelligence.
3. Dolphins use only half of their brains during sleep.
4. An average dolphin can eat about 13 kg of fish per day.
5. These sea animals are capable of creating a wide range of sounds.
6. One of the loudest sounds dolphins make is clicking.
7. Dolphins help people with developmental disabilities and psychological therapy.
8. Dolphins can create bubbles when playful.
9. The largest member of the dolphin family is the killer whale.
10. Killer whales can reach more than nine meters in length.
11. Dolphins have sex for pleasure.
12. These sea creatures can swim at speeds of up to 40 km per hour.
13. More than 11 km per hour is the usual swimming speed of dolphins.
14. Dolphins are considered the smartest animals in the world.
15. Mostly these sea animals live in schools of up to ten individuals.
16. Temporary associations of dolphins can reach 1000 individuals.
17. The length of the smallest dolphin is about 120 cm.
18. The weight of the largest representative of this family can reach up to 11 tons.
19. The average dolphin weighs more than 40 kg.
20. The skin of these sea creatures is very thin.
21. Dolphins' skin is easily damaged by sharp objects.
22. The gestation period of a female dolphin can last twelve months.
23. The gestation period for killer whales is about 17 months.
24. There are about 100 teeth in the oral cavity of a dolphin.
25. Dolphins do not chew their food, but swallow it.
26. The name of the dolphin comes from the Greek word “Delphis”.
27. Dolphins can dive up to 304 meters deep.
28. Many of these sea animals live in fairly shallow water.
29. Within the group, the bonds between dolphins are very strong.
30. Dolphins can care for wounded and sick individuals.
31. These sea creatures breathe air.
32. These sea animals breathe air through their blowhole.
33. Most species of dolphins live in salt water.
34. The oldest dolphin died at 61.
35. These sea animals give birth to babies tail first.
36. Dolphins use echolocation to search for food.
37. These sea creatures often use interesting hunting tactics.
38. Dolphins cannot sleep completely enough to breathe constantly.
39. Dolphins are considered very interesting and playful animals.
40. These sea animals can jump to a height of about six meters.
41. Dolphins can play with some types of animals.
42. Dolphins learn foreign languages.
43. Swimming with these sea creatures helps relieve stress, tension and insomnia.
44. Since ancient times, dolphins have attracted people with their benevolence.
45. About 70 species of these sea creatures are known today.
46. Dolphins recognize their reflection in the mirror.
47. Dolphins constantly swim in circles in the water.
48. These sea creatures live in family flocks.
49. Dolphins help each other in a school.
50. Every dolphin has a name.
51. Dolphins are very similar to people.
52. These sea creatures have a four-chambered heart.
53. The brain of dolphins has the same weight as that of a human.
54. A dolphin cannot look at objects directly in front of it.
55. These sea creatures can spend about seven minutes without air underwater.
56. Dolphins communicate with each other using echolocation.
57. A dolphin can stay underwater for up to 20 minutes in case of danger.
58. Certain serious skills of dolphins allow them to easily adapt to any environment.
59. During the first month of life, these sea creatures do not sleep.
60. Dolphins can use the sonar sound system continuously for 15 days.
61. Dolphins explore the world around them with the help of creaks and clicks.
62. The eyes of these creatures can see a 300-degree panoramic environment.
63. Dolphins can look in different directions at the same time.
64. These sea creatures are able to see in low light.
65. Every two hours, the entire layer of skin of dolphins changes.
67. Any damage to the skin of dolphins heals quickly.
68. These sea creatures do not experience pain.
69. Dolphins can continue to play after being seriously injured.
70. Dolphins are capable of producing natural pain relievers.
71. Dolphins are able to convert 80% of their energy into thrust.
72. Dolphins swim in the ocean with open wounds.
73. These sea creatures have an excellent immune system.
74. Dolphins are able to absorb antibiotics.
75. These sea creatures are able to sense the Earth's magnetic field.
76. During high solar activity, dolphins can wash ashore.
77. The sonar system of dolphins is considered a unique phenomenon.
78. Dolphins have an amazing ability to detect objects at a distance.
79. Albinos exist in nature - a rare species of dolphins.
80. With the help of the nasal air sac, these sea creatures reproduce sounds.
82. Dolphins can blow bubbles underwater with the help of a breather.
83. Shellfish, squid and fish are part of the usual diet of dolphins.
84. These sea creatures can eat up to 30 kg of food per day.
85. At a distance of up to 20 meters, these sea creatures can recognize other animals.
86. Dolphins are very easy to tame and train.
87. The vocabulary of these sea animals consists of more than 14,000 words.
88. Dolphins can conduct a dialogue using sign language.
89. These sea animals are capable of repeating words after a person.
90. Land mammals are the ancestors of dolphins.
91. About 49 million years ago, the ancestors of dolphins moved into the water.
92. On average, dolphins live more than 50 years.
93. There are four species of river dolphins.
94. There are 32 species of sea creatures.
95. Dolphins were considered a sacred animal in Ancient Greece.
96. Dolphins pass on their skills and abilities as a legacy.
97. These sea creatures cannot smell.
98. Dolphins cannot distinguish between some tastes.
99. Dolphins live with their mother for three years.
100. The pink dolphin is considered a unique species and lives in the Amazon.
The dolphin (Greek for “source of life”) is perhaps the closest creature to us, and it is difficult to find a person who does not melt with delight at the sight of these fabulous animals. According to scientists, they are one of the most mysterious creatures that hide many amazing secrets.
Breath. Dolphins are not fish, although they live in the aquatic environment. They belong to the class of mammals, the order of cetaceans. They do not have gills, they breathe oxygen, which is why dolphins often “jump” out of the water - this is how they inhale air. By the way, air enters through a single nostril (blowhole), which is located at the back of the head and then enters the lungs. On average, dolphins stay underwater for 5-7 minutes, after which they make another “jump”.
We're looking for a breath of fresh air.
Nutrition. Dolphins are predators. The dolphin's diet usually includes fish, squid and shellfish. Although they have over 100 teeth, they do not participate in chewing food; dolphins absorb food entirely. They only need teeth to grab prey. Dolphins are warm-blooded animals and, in order to maintain a fairly high body temperature (36.6 °C), they eat up to 30 kg of food per day.
Orientation in space. Dolphins navigate in water using echolocation. That is, they direct their high-frequency signal, say, to the surface of the bottom and then pick up the echo reflected from the bottom. In this way, an idea of the surrounding environment is formed. This method of orientation in space is so developed in dolphins that they can get food for themselves day and night with their eyes closed, “listen” for objects up to 2 millimeters, and also avoid danger. A dolphin, at a distance of 20 meters, unerringly swims up to a pellet thrown into the water.
Man and dolphin. Dolphins always live in schools of up to 1000 animals. They have a very strong sense of self-sacrifice; they never leave each other in trouble. These are perhaps one of the friendliest animals. These amazing inhabitants of the seas are not at all afraid of people, but on the contrary, they treat us very kindly. There are many facts that dolphins saved people from sharks, threw drowning children ashore, and helped lost sailors get to land.
Intelligence. Scientists have proven that dolphins are the most intelligent creatures after humans. The mass of a dolphin's brain even exceeds that of a human brain (it weighs, on average, 1.7 kg, in humans - 1.4 kg). However, if we consider the brain relative to body weight, then we, of course, remain out of competition. The intelligence of cetaceans is so high that they are sometimes even called “sea people.” True intellectuals are able to understand their surroundings, quickly navigate any situation, and even make plans for the future. Each dolphin has its own individual character. They are very easily tamed by humans and always unerringly do what the trainer tells them to do. Moreover, dolphins do this not at all for the “fish”; they are interested in the creative process of completing tasks. Scientists have proven that sea people understand the trainer’s commands, and do not mindlessly react to them.
Dolphin language. Did you know that dolphins have their own language? Yes, yes, exactly, dolphins can talk to each other no worse than you and I. They communicate using ultrasonic signals. The explanatory vocabulary of the dolphin language consists of 14,000 signal words, which is approximately equal to the vocabulary of an ordinary person. In addition, dolphins can conduct dialogue in sign language (jumping, turning, posing, etc.). Amazing chatterers also try to talk to humans, and some “phrases” of the dolphin language can be translated into human ones. For example, a barking sound made by a dolphin means that it is angry. If a dolphin whistles sadly, and then the whistle becomes loud, he needs help. By the way, like a parrot, some species of dolphins are able to repeat words after a person. This once again confirms the highly developed nature of marine life.
The sounds made by dolphins have a healing effect!
Dream. For a very long time, scientists could not understand how dolphins sleep? Like all mammals, marine life needs sleep, but if they fall asleep, they may simply choke on water. How then do amazing creatures sleep? It turns out that dolphins never sleep completely, that is, the brain of marine inhabitants does not completely turn off during sleep. Instead, the hemispheres of the brain “sleep in turns”: while the right hemisphere sleeps, the left controls vital processes - including periodically rising to the surface to breathe. Then the hemispheres switch places. This type of sleep is unique to dolphins and is not found in anyone else. When a dolphin wakes up, both hemispheres come into play.
Origin. The ancestors of dolphins are land mammals - mesonychids - this is the opinion that most scientists come to. They were very similar to modern deer with an elongated tail. About 49 million years ago, for some reason, terrestrial mesonychids “went into the water.” Coarse fur began to be replaced by smooth skin, a thick layer of fat appeared, which did not allow it to freeze even in cold waters, the forelimbs turned into fins, and at the same time the size of the brain increased approximately three times.
Some more amazing facts:
· Dolphins and humans are the only creatures that have sex for pleasure and not just for reproduction.
· The average swimming speed of dolphins in water is 24 km/h. In some species it can reach 60 km/h.
· Each dolphin has its own name, and it receives it from birth.
· Dolphins are able to recognize themselves in the mirror.
· On average, dolphins live 50 years. However, sometimes their age can reach 75 years.
· There are 32 species of sea dolphins and 4 species of river dolphins.
· In Ancient Greece, the dolphin was considered a sacred animal and the criminal paid with his own life for killing sea creatures.
· Dolphins pass on their skills and abilities by inheritance.
· Dolphins do not smell, but they can distinguish between bitter, salty, sweet and sour tastes.
Now let's just admire these fabulous creatures and more:
An essay describing a dolphin and information about dolphins for children will help prepare for the lesson.
Description of a dolphin for children
If you asked me what smart animal I know, I would certainly name a dolphin. After all, few people know that a dolphin is not a fish at all, but a mammal. Therefore, this “miracle of nature” is one of the most mysterious in the water empire and an extremely intelligent creature.
Dolphins are often called the sirens of the sea. All this is explained by the wide amplitude of sounds. This is how animals recognize each other and gather in flocks. The peculiarity is that they are capable of self-sacrifice. And they will fight for their relative to the last.
Dolphins have an interesting structure, because their size is close to that of humans. The skin color is more often than series. Their naked, strong and muscular body with developed fins allows them to move quickly in the water. The transition between the nasal and frontal parts is quite well defined. Although there is no nose as such, because it is fused into one nostril, this does not prevent them from swimming in the depths. Dolphin eyes are tiny, like beads. Therefore, they perceive the world around them through sounds.
For some reason, these brave animals fell in love with humans very much. This can be seen beautifully in dolphinariums. They quickly jump out of the water and happily greet spectators. They are very trainable.
Dolphins have long been a symbol of the sea. There are many legends about them. They rescue those who ask for help at sea. Dolphins are also priceless companions of sailors, accompanying them on long sea voyages.
Essay on the topic “My favorite animal is the dolphin”
My favorite animal is the dolphin. I think they are especially elegant and beautiful. Dolphins live in the seas and oceans. When you watch a movie, they often show how a dolphin saves people. I would really like to ride a dolphin. You can say this is my dream. I really love going to the dolphinarium, especially stroking the cute dolphins’ wet bodies. Dolphins also make very funny sounds, similar to a child screaming for joy when they play with him.
Essay about dolphins
Dolphins are one of the most mysterious animals on our planet.
The intelligence of these sea inhabitants is considered so high that they are called “people of the sea.” Scientists say that dolphins are smarter and smarter than all other animals.
Dolphins live in water, but they are not fish, but mammals from the order Cetacea. That is, they need air - they breathe with lungs, not gills. People can always see the faces of dolphins on the surface of the sea because dolphins can stay underwater for an average of about 3-5 minutes.
Dolphins live in schools. They always help each other and never leave each other in trouble. These highly developed marine animals are very similar to people; they are characterized by self-sacrifice. If they hear sounds from the shore, similar to a dolphin cry for help, they are thrown onto land, dying in the process.
The dolphin is the embodiment of friendliness and kindness.
Dolphins can make about ten different sounds. Dolphins' hearing is unique and operates on the principle of an echolocator. By reflected sounds, dolphins can determine the distance of an object, its size, and shape. The dolphin navigates the space around it much more through hearing than through vision.
A dolphin can eat up to 30 kilograms of live fish per day.
Dolphins live for about 30 years.
Dolphins are born approximately once every two years. At this time, the dolphin tries to jump high so that the calf can take its first breath.
Dolphins are very touching parents, caring for their young for about five years. And even when reaching puberty, the cub still remains strongly attached to its mother and tries to follow her everywhere.