There is no doubt that dolphins are some of the most interesting aquatic animals. They are easily recognizable, and you probably already know that they are very intelligent. However, there are many interesting facts that you may not know.
Interesting facts about dolphins:
1. There are 32 species of marine dolphins and four types of river dolphins.
2. Dolphins are the only mammals that are born tail first.
3. Female dolphins assist other females during difficult births. The rest of the dolphins will swim around to protect the mother in labor.
4. Sharks are afraid of dolphins, as dolphins are capable of killing them. (read more..) 5. Some species of dolphins can hold their breath for 30 minutes.
6. Young dolphins stay with their mother for 2 or 3 years.
7. Although most wild animals avoid contact with humans, wild dolphins love to play and interact with humans, especially children.
8. Dolphin eyes produce tears that protect the eyes from infection and foreign objects. Marine dolphins can see perfectly both underwater and above water.
9. Dolphins have two stomachs. The first is for storing food, and the second is for digestion.
10. A dolphin can easily dive to 300 meters.
11. The dorsal fin of each dolphin is unique, which is how scientists distinguish them from each other.
12. Dolphins usually cannot live in complete solitude. They have a complex social structure and have a wide range of emotions, including humor.
13. Dolphins can swim at speeds of up to 30 km/h for long periods of time. This is about three times faster than the fastest humans in the world.
14. Killing dolphins in Ancient Greece was considered sacrilege and punishable by death.
15. The average lifespan of dolphins is 30 years. However, some of them, which have been observed in nature, have lived up to 50 years.
15. Dolphins have names. Moreover, each dolphin calf receives its name at birth. This fact was proven by scientists who recorded the whistle signal, which means the name, to which the same dolphin responded.
16. Dolphins do not have a sense of smell, but they do have a sense of taste, like humans, they can distinguish between sweet, sour, bitter and salty tastes.
17. Most dolphin species live in salt water, but some can live in fresh water.
18. A dolphin has about 100 teeth in its mouth. They use their teeth to catch prey, but do not chew it. All food is swallowed whole.
19. An adult dolphin eats about 33 kg of fish per day, which is equivalent to 15-22 kg of meat per day for humans, but dolphins do not gain weight.
20. Dolphin skin is very thin and can be easily damaged by contact with other surfaces.
21. Dolphin "Sonar" or "Echolocation" is rarely found in nature, and is far superior to bat sonar. Echolocation allows them to literally sense the distance, shape, density, and movement of an object.
