DELIGHTFUL DOLPHINS OF THE DEEP

For ages, sailors have said that it is good luck to see dolphins swimming alongside boats. Seeing dolphins meant that land was near, which would be a very important information if a boat and her crew were in danger. Some dolphins have even protected shipwrecked sailors from sharks. These unique and fascinating creatures have been known as our friends.

You may think dolphins are fish, but they are actually mammals. Theyare related to whales and porpoises, and they evolved around 10 million years ago. Dolphins breathe air, give birth to live young, and feed them milk. They are social animals, living together in groups called “pods” or “schools” which is combined of up to 12 dolphins. In places rich in food, many schools can combine together to form pods of up to 1,000 dolphins.

Dolphins are thought to be intelligent animals because of their playfulness, curiosity, and quick ability to learn. They seem to communicate with each other through a combination of squeaks, whistles, and clicks. While scientists don’t know what they are going on about, it is thought that dolphins are telling each other that food is nearby, or warning each other of approaching danger. Dolphins use sonar to discover an object’s size, shape, and location.

Unfortunately, dolphins have faced increasing danger in recent years. Fishermen who are looking for tuna may accidentally trap dolphins in their nets, killing them in the process. These intelligent mammals of the sea deserve our protection and respect.