Facts about Dolphin Intelligence

1. 05

   A long-term study found that dolphins in Monkey Mia, Western Australia, form complex social alliances across multiple levels, a political sophistication previously thought unique to great apes and humans.

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2. 04

   Researchers have documented dolphins engaging in teaching behaviors, with mothers actively instructing calves in foraging techniques rather than calves learning solely through observation.

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3. 03

   Wild bottlenose dolphins in Shark Bay, Australia, have been observed using marine sponges as tools to protect their snouts while foraging on the seafloor.

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4. 02

   Dolphins communicate using a system of clicks, whistles, and signature calls that function similarly to individual names.

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5. 01

   Bottlenose dolphins can recognize themselves in mirrors, a sign of self-awareness shared by very few non-human animals.

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