Interesting Facts about Dolphins

Sea animals have always been a source of curiosity for the humans, particularly because of their beauty and intelligence. While most of them are wild and deadly, some of them are inherently unique in their own ways. Whales, sharks and dolphins are subjects of intense research among marine biologists. Dolphins stand out from whales and sharks owing to their peculiar friendly behavior with humans.

Origin
These marine mammals are mostly believed to have been evolved from land mammals, some 50 or 60 million years ago!! Among aquatic mammals, dolphins are the most advanced and adapted to aquatic life. You would be surprised to know about an interesting fact, dolphins are the closest relatives of hippopotamus, camel and cow family!! The debate on the origin of dolphin and whales is an unending one! Some believe that dolphins have evolved from land based hoofed mammals (ungulates) like hippos and some believe they have evolved from mammals many millions of years ago.

Types
There are about 32 types of dolphins and all are unique in their color and body constitution. Looking at them together will really fascinate anyone! While these 32 types thrive in salt water, there are five other types of dolphins who live in the freshwater. Bottlenose dolphin, the Killer Whale, the Common dolphin, the Black dolphin and Dusky dolphin are some of the types of dolphins.

Eating Habits
An adult dolphin eats nearly 20 to 22 kilos of fish every day!! The eating habits of dolphins are dependent on the area where they thrive and the season of the year. Seasons in which fish like mullet, mackerel, herring, cod are found abundantly, the dolphins have a party time! Depending on the fat content of the fish, the dolphins decide how much they are going to eat! And mind you, they've a good sense of understanding about their hunger.

Life Expectancy
The bottlenose dolphin is the most studied dolphin and according to research, the life expectancy of a bottle nose dolphin is about 40 to 50 years. Generally, on an average dolphins live to about 17- 25 years however, as mentioned earlier, they can live up to 50 years without veterinary care. The reason of their agility is, their natural way of evolution that has given them a healthy body.

Dolphin and Human Relationship
Dolphins are very much interested in humans just like we're interested in dolphins. Many sailors and people traveling in boats have known to spot dolphins popping their heads out and looking at people while the boat sail the seas. Not surprising many cultures of the world worship and respected dolphins as the symbol of agility, health and joy. The socialization and intelligence skills of dolphins have intrigued man, as dolphins have been used in zoos and exhibitions to show off their amazing diving skills and intelligence. Dolphins communicate with each other by special frequency sounds, similar to sonar equipment.

More about Dolphins
Some dolphins are an endangered species, but they evoke a sense of curiosity among people. Let's see what are some interesting facts about dolphins.

• The echolocation abilities of dolphins are better than any human made sonar system. US navy uses dolphins as their helpers in locating lost divers.
• Dolphins can recognize themselves in a mirror!!
• The dolphins are known to do a sonar scanner for objects in the water and they can know about the distance, shape and size of the body approaching.
• Dolphins have healing powers and they're known to cure ailments in humans!
• Dolphins generally sleep with their one eye closed.
• Dolphins are known to have fun in the sea, they love to irritate turtles and other animals in the sea by rolling over their back and running away.
• A group of dolphins living together is called pods.
• Orca, commonly known as killer whales is the largest known type of dolphin.
• Like we are identified by our thumbprints, dolphins identify each other by their whistles!
• Dolphins can go to a depth of about 260 m below the sea level.
• The scientific name of the dolphin family are "delphinidae".
• The dolphins give birth to their young ones by rotating faster in the water. The young ones come out with their tails first to ensure that they're not drowned.
• Dolphin, in Greek means 'fish with a womb'.
• The weight of a dolphin's brain is nearly 1700-1800 grams and of humans is about 1200 grams!!

These were some fun facts about dolphins, which definitely are interesting. Unfortunately, some dolphins have become endangered and it is our responsibility that we protect these fascinating animals. It's a call for humanity.. let's respond to the dolphins call by saving them...