Dolphin

Do you know what bow-riding is? You've probably seen dolphins racing or swimming in front of ships and wondered why. It's because they're riding the pressure wave created by the moving propelling through the waters; this movement creates a wave at the bow (front), and dolphins can position themselves in this wave to be pushed forward with minimal effort, like a surfer riding a wave. Clever, right?

Dolphins (Delphinus delphis) are highly evolved mammals possessing a combination of reasoning and intelligence, social behaviour, communication skills, and their unique adaptations to aquatic life.

High Intelligence

• Large brains: Dolphins have large, complex brains relative to their body size, second only to humans in some ways.
• Self-awareness: They recognise themselves in mirrors (a test of self-awareness that very few animals pass).
• Problem-solving & learning: Dolphins can learn new tasks quickly, use tools (like sponges to protect their noses while foraging), and even understand symbolic language in captivity.

Complex Communication

• Dolphins use a variety of clicks, whistles, and body language to communicate.
• Each dolphin has a unique "signature whistle" that acts like a name.
• There's evidence they can call each other by name, remember sounds for decades, and possibly pass on learned behaviours culturally.

Social Creatures

• Dolphins live in complex social groups (pods) with cooperative hunting, babysitting, and alliances.
• They display empathy, grief, playfulness, and even altruism—helping injured individuals and sometimes even aiding humans.

Unique Biological Traits

• Echolocation: Dolphins use sonar-like sound waves to "see" in murky waters—detecting objects, fish, and even human heartbeat rhythms from a distance.
• Sleep with half a brain: One hemisphere of the brain stays awake while the other rests, allowing it to breathe and stay alert to predators.
• Streamlined bodies: They can swim up to 20+ mph and dive hundreds of meters deep.