Dolphins are cute sea creatures. Most people have heard of them or seen pictures of them, and others have even been able to watch them at a show. In some parks, you can even touch or play with a dolphin!
Most people do not know how amazing & similar dolphins are to humans. They look quite different on the surface, but end up being quite similar when you look at the facts.
In today’s post we will be covering many of the similarities between us & dolphins. For the awesome video version, click HERE.
Dolphins are Mammals
Just like humans, dolphins are what is called “mammals.” This means that they need air/oxygen to survive.
Despite being sea creatures, dolphins must regularly go to the surface to collect air. While underwater they are holding their breath!
A dolphin can dive very deep, and if they go too deep without getting air then they will drown just like humans.
Lifespans Are Equal
Dolphins live to be about 50 years old. This is impressive considering they don’t have human technology, advancements, and medicine to help keep them going!
Humans in the wild could live to be about 50 years, so this is actually quite similar.
Dolphins Are VERY Smart
Compared to their brain & body size, they are the second smartest creatures on Earth! Dolphins are even smarter than apes!
Dolphins also possess the ability to be self-conscious. Self-awareness is the ability to recognize yourself in the mirror, and have an identity separate of “just existing.” Dolphins are one of three creatures in the world that are also self-conscious.
Recent studies have also revealed that we are quite genetically similar. This may sound similar because they’re in the water and us on land, but it is true!
Our brains have also evolved in very similar ways over the course of the past million years.
Dolphins Are Social
Just like humans, dolphins form groups, referred to as “pods.” These pods play together, communicate together, and even hunt together. This is similar to earlier human hunter/gatherer tribes that were formed.
They can even have conversations with each other! Dolphins make certain noises based on what they want, desire, or feel.
Older dolphins will even teach the younger dolphins how to hunt & do other activities, just like humans.
Dolphins Have Names
We give names such as “Bob” & “Sally” to one another to make it easier to communicate. Dolphins do the same.
Although they don’t refer to each other as “Bob” & “Sally,” they do create certain noises when referencing specific dolphins.
Dolphins Have a Complex Language
We aren’t able to decipher or understand dolphin language, but they do have a relatively complex set of frequencies & noises that they can make to communicate with each other.
This is very similar to how we make sounds with our mouths & throats to communicate. Dolphins do the same except through whistling.
Dolphins also have “dialects” and “languages.” A dialect is UK English or American English. Dolphins have various dialects & languages based on their location & surroundings.
Dolphins Adapt & Find Solutions To Problems
A recent study came out proving that dolphins were highly adaptive just like humans.
When hunting for food on the sea floor, dolphins will pick up sea sponges and place it beneath themselves in order to protect themselves from being scratched by rocks. This is similar to how we wear clothes to protect us from the cold.
Dolphins Are “Open” & Play
Dolphins play with each other just like we play with each other for no particular reason other than that it’s pleasing. Dolphins do the same without their “pods.”
Dolphins are particularly receptive to humans as well. Some scientists believe that this is because we are highly social creatures as well, so they sense that and try harder to communicate with us.
For example, we try harder to communicate with dogs than cats. This is because dogs respond & react to us! Dolphins act in the same way towards us, and not like that towards other creatures.
Dolphins Protect The Elderly
Just like humans, dolphins protect, feed, and nurture their old members, instead of letting the dolphin fade away.
When a dolphin is injured, they will work together to support the dolphin and help it heal rather than leaving it on its own.
Dolphins Love & Grieve
Scientists didn’t originally think that dolphins had human-like emotions, but new studies & observations suggest otherwise.
Some dolphins have been observed going through a “grieving” process. They also will take their fallen dolphins to special areas, perhaps as a final burial location.
On the plus side, dolphins also experience love & joy. Emotional relationships & attachments have been observed in dolphins!
Did you enjoy? Let us know what you think!
-Wildlife x Team International