Hobbies And Interests
Dolphin Overview
These mammals are efficient swimmers, reaching speeds of up to 18 miles an hour. Found in tropical waters, dolphins eat primarily bottom-feeders, although they are also known to eat shrimp and squid. Sometimes, resourceful dolphins will follow fishing boats to feast on the leftovers. Dolphin hunting was once an acceptable activity, but now it's illegal. Dolphins are still in danger of losing their lives by getting ensnared in commercial fishing nets, however.
Dolphin Intelligence
A 2010 study conducted at Hunger College shows dolphins are second only to humans in intelligence. According to the study, dolphins can recognize themselves in a mirror and inspect various parts of their bodies, a trait previously thought to be limited to humans and apes. Another study from this same university reveals that dolphins are capable of learning a simple, symbols-based language. This shared level of intelligence is one source of the affinity between humans and dolphins.
Sociablity
Dolphins enjoy sophisticated social structures that have been found to be as complex and diverse as the relationships shared by humans. Male dolphins form alliances to help fellow males in fights -- which is unusual because all male dolphins are competing with one another for access to the fertile female of the species. Female dolphins form friendships with one another as well. Female dolphins have more offspring that survive to age 3 if they have female dolphin friends who have calves of the same age. Dolphins' high level of sociability can lead them to behave in a friendly manner toward humans.
Dolphin Encounters
Dolphins are popular attractions at marine parks like Sea World, so humans have the opportunity to have an up-close experience with dolphins, adding to the sense of their friendliness and "accessibility." In addition, tropical vacation destinations like the Bahamas offer opportunities for tourists to swim with dolphins.