Dolphins have always been sympathetic to people – the best marine friends. They are friendly, happy, love to play and are intelligent. There are facts when dolphins saved people’s lives. What do we know about these funny creatures?
1. There are 43 species of dolphins. 38 of them are marine, the rest are river inhabitants.
2. It turns out that in ancient times dolphins were terrestrial, and only later adapted to life in the water. Their fins resemble legs. So our sea friends might once have been land wolves.
3. Images of dolphins were carved in the desert city of Petra, Jordan. Petra was founded as early as 312 BC. This gives reason to consider dolphins as one of the most ancient animals.
4. Dolphins are the only animals whose babies are born tail first. Otherwise, the baby may drown.
5. A dolphin can drown if a tablespoon of water enters its lungs. For comparison, a person needs two tablespoons to choke.
6. Dolphins breathe through an adapted nose that sits at the top of their head.
7. Dolphins can see with sound, they send signals that travel long distances and bounce off objects. This allows the animals to judge the distance to the object, its shape, density and texture.
8. Dolphins are superior to bats in their sonar ability.
9. During sleep, dolphins stay on the surface of the water to be able to breathe. For control, one half of the animal’s brain is always awake.
10. The Cove won an Oscar as a documentary about dolphin treatment in Japan. The film explores the theme of cruelty to dolphins and the high risk of mercury poisoning from eating dolphins.
11. It is assumed that hundreds of years ago, dolphins did not have such an ability to echolocate. It is a quality acquired with evolution.
12. Dolphins don’t use their 100 teeth to chew food. With their help, they catch fish, which they swallow whole. Dolphins don’t even have chewing muscles!
13. In ancient Greece, dolphins were called sacred fish. Killing a dolphin was considered sacrilege.
14. Scientists have found that dolphins give themselves names. Each individual has its own personal whistle.
15. Breathing in these animals is not an automatic process, like in humans. The dolphin’s brain signals when to breathe.
Dolphins never cease to amaze people with their smartest behavior. Let this article help you learn more about their extraordinary life!