Bottle Nose Dolphins in the Gulf of Mexico

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Bottle Nose Dolphins in the Gulf of Mexico

Introduction

The Dolphin is a marine mammal in the Delphinidae family with the toothed whales that includes pilot whales and orcas . In particular , the bottle nose dolphin is in the Cetacea order of scientific classification . The order is composed of large aquatic animals with fore limbs , a flattened tail and no hind limbs . The bottle nose dolphin has a stubby beak and a more flexible neck than other oceanic animals . Its color varies from

light gray to slate gray , with adults attaining 8-12 feet body length . Bottle nose dolphins are distributed world wide in tropical and temperate waters (Society , Para 1 .The Gulf of Mexico is an example of a home to the bottle nose dolphin . The objective of this research is to discuss the ecology of dolphins in terms of habitat and ecosystem , predators , as well as prey /feeding , reproduction , behavior and conservation

Habitat and Ecosystem

The bottle nose dolphin is distributed all through estuaries , lagoons and bays of the Gulf of Mexico . They are of two ecotypes , coastal and offshore dolphins . The coastal ecotype is adapted for shallow and warm waters , while the offshore ecotype is adapted for cooler and deeper waters . Bottle nose dolphins live in discrete communities , and exhibit similar genetic and behavioral characteristics . The coastal ecotypes at the Mexican gulf have a small body and large flippers to aid movement and heat dissipation . The warm temperate climate at the Gulf of Mexico...