Hobbies And Interests
Satellite Tags
Marine biologists use satellite tags to track the migration patterns and behaviors of different marine species, including dolphins. Biologists temporarily net dolphins and attach the tags to the dorsal, or back fin before releasing the animals back in the water. Tags are designed to automatically detach after several weeks or months. Some tags immediately begin transmitting data such as geographical location, water depth and the rate of swimming speed. Other tags collect the information and begin transmitting information after they detach and float to the surface. Both types yield valuable information on dolphin behaviors.
Mirrors
Dolphin biologists use mirrors as part of their ongoing assessment of the animals' higher intelligence and behavior. Mirror self-recognition or the ability to recognize one's reflection, is seen as an indication of intelligence and the capacity for empathetic or evolved social behavior. In a 2001 study conducted by researchers at the New York Aquarium, dolphins were marked with temporary back ink before being shown their reflections. Biologists observed the animals positioning themselves in front of mirrors to get a clear look at the marks, indicating that the animals are aware of themselves and their reflections.
Underwater Recordings
Dolphin biologists use hydrophones and sonograms, underwater acoustic recording devices, to collect examples of dolphin vocalizations, or the whistles, clicks, squeaks and other sounds the animals make while underwater. Dolphins use sounds to communicate different messages. Mothers whistle to locate calves. Other dolphins generate sounds to identify themselves, locate other dolphins or to confuse or scare off predators. The National Aquarium has collected data that suggests dolphins have a particular whistle they use as a type of SOS call. Dolphin biologists also use underwater recordings of ambient sound in dolphin habitats to assess how noise from shipping, drilling and other industrial activities affects the health of the animals and their ability to hear their own voices.
Blindfolds
Scientists at the Dolphin Research Center in Grassy Key, Florida, are using goggles or blindfolds, to study the dolphin's ability to imitate the behavior of other nearby dolphins without being able to see them. Biologists have been able to demonstrate that dolphins in close proximity will mimic splashing and fin-flapping behaviors of one another based solely on sound. Studies have shown dolphins use elocution, a process of emitting high-frequency sound waves and listening for reverberations and echoes to understand what's around them in the water. Biologists believe that elocution may allow dolphins to sense the movements of other nearby dolphins, however, the willingness to mimic or imitate is a subject of ongoing research.