Dolphins: Communicators of the Sea

Dolphins : Communicators of the Sea

PC104 - The Water Planet : Introduction to Oceanography

Frederick Community College

Professor Alberto Ramirez

March 24 , 2007

DRAFT 02

Dolphins : Communicators of the Sea

Contents

Introduction .3

Scope .4

Overview .5

General Physiology of a Dolphin .6

The Dolphin Family .7

Dolphin 's Brainpower .8

Distinctive Communication of Dolphins .10

Dolphins in Danger .15

Personal Conclusion .16

References .19

Introduction

Dolphins are common creatures at rivers and seas . The majority of

small toothed whales are dolphins . Dolphins are large sea animals making it part of the sub Odontoceti , family Delphinidae . Whales and porpoises generally belong to the Cetaceans belonging to family Plantanistidae and Delphinidae , respectively . Often , people used dolphins and porpoises interchangeably denoting same species but porpoises in particular and dolphins are different species . Porpoises belong to family Phocaenidae it has a rounded snout and chisel-liked teeth . While dolphins are under family Plantanistidae and Delphinidae instead of a rounded snout , dolphins have beak like snout and sharp conical teeth Fig . 1 Comparison between the snout of a porpoise and a dolphin

Dolphins are outgoing creatures often they are mingling in a group with two to fifteen animal members or more . Most of their communities are dominated by females , its offspring , sisters and other females . Sub adult male dolphins will leave these female-dominated communities to start a group of bachelor ' dolphins if these dolphins become sexually mature , they can move in the female groups for copulation These mammals are very playful . They are often spotted riding the bow wave or stern wake of boats and "surfing " on waves . Chasing and tossing things to one another is one of their favorite plays . If seen jumping or breaching , it indicates enthusiasm for these creatures . Play is important for dolphins for learning and as well as to practice their skills necessary for their life 's survival (Geocities .com , 2006

The current focuses on these creatures ' characteristics particularly their capability to engage in echolocation

Scope

The begins with an introduction about the dolphin , and their general characteristics as sea creatures . This is followed by a discussion of their general physiology , including their skin , fin swimming speed , breathing , and body temperature . The dolphin family is then discussed , with its 33 species - with 5 river species and 6 porpoise species . Of these , the most popular is said to be the bottlenose dolphin which are found in theme parks and are featured in television programs . The next focus would be on the dolphin 's brainpower , specifically in their capacity to make tunes among themselves with a wide range of sounds . Their distinctive communication patterns are likewise expounded on . The concludes with a call for concern and protection from humans , who are supposed to be stewards of these creatures

Overview

With regards to its general physiology , dolphins have rubbery skin . They are classified as mammals and have the capacity of maintaining high body temperature . They can hold their breath for several minutes making it easy for them to have rapid and deep...