Fascinating Facts about Dolphins

Here are some facts about dolphins:

Dolphins have the longest memory among animals: They can remember events in great detail for over 20 years. This ability surpasses that of elephants and chimpanzees.

Self-awareness: Dolphins are among the few creatures that can recognize themselves in a mirror. In the animal kingdom, only a few species possess this capability, such as elephants, magpies, some monkey species, and a few others.

Dolphins are not fish: Despite the name “dolphin,” they are not fish but mammals. They give birth to live young and nurse them with milk, unlike other fish species that lay eggs.

Dolphins can drown if underwater for too long or if water enters their lungs: Although known for their swimming abilities, dolphins can still drown if they aspirate water. Being mammals, they breathe air using their lungs, and if water enters their lungs, they will drown. Humans typically require around 30ml of water in their lungs to die, while dolphins can only tolerate about 15ml.

Dolphins exhibit midwifery behavior: When a female dolphin experiences difficult labor, another female dolphin will assist in pulling the newborn calf out. Meanwhile, the rest of the pod will swim around to protect them.

Dolphins can kill sharks through cooperative efforts: With their iron-like snouts, dolphins can ram directly into a shark’s gills, causing fatal injuries and even death.

Dolphins evolved from a terrestrial ancestor: Millions of years ago, the ancestors of dolphins did not swim in the water as we know them today; they were fully terrestrial carnivorous animals. However, approximately 50 million years ago, a mysterious event occurred that forced them to adapt to the aquatic environment, gradually evolving into the marine mammals we know today.

Dolphins can go without sleep for weeks: Dolphins possess a unique sleep mechanism in which they can rest half of their brain while the other half remains awake, a process called “Unihemispheric sleep.” This sleep pattern not only prevents them from drowning but also allows them to remain vigilant against any danger and even promotes brain development.

Dolphins have individual names: Dolphins have unique names, and they respond when called. Dolphins within a population have distinct “signature whistles” akin to names, and they can use these specific whistles to attract the attention of their companions.

Dolphins can use the toxins of their prey as a “drug”: We know that pufferfish carry potent toxins. Dolphins are aware of this and use it for recreational purposes.

Typically, the toxin of a pufferfish can be lethal to humans. However, in small doses, it can act as an addictive substance. The BBC has captured footage of dolphins playfully interacting with a pufferfish, suggesting they may derive some sort of pleasure from the encounter.