The findings show that by using at least two cues to identify individuals, dolphins have a complex understanding of their family and friends
We humans rely on a suite of cues to recognize our friends, such as their smiles, their voices, or the way they walk. Biologists have known for several decades that dolphins form close friendships, and that the cetaceans identify pals by their unique whistles. Now new surprising research suggests, a marine biologist at Stephen F. Austin State University in Texas, didn’t set out to test whether bottlenose dolphins could identify each other through their urine.
The findings are the first robust evidence of an animal identifying other members of its species using taste. They also show that by using at least two cues to identify individuals, dolphins have a complex understanding of their family and friends—much as humans do. In expansive pools containing temporarily separated dolphins, the scientists poured water with ice into the water and then watched to see how each animal responded. Curious dolphins that explored the ice water were good candidates for the experiment. Next, the team needed to test whether the animals' reactions to ice water and urine varied, and whether they responded differently to familiar versus unfamiliar urine.
“The dolphins were very, very keen to participate,” says Bruck, who added they weren’t rewarded with food. “Usually, dolphins get bored with my experiments. We were tapping into something that is part of the dolphins’ world.”The final test investigated whether dolphins had a paired understanding of other dolphins’ cues—in other words, if an individual’s whistle and urine were connected in their minds.
Deutschland Neuesten Nachrichten, Deutschland Schlagzeilen
Similar News:Sie können auch ähnliche Nachrichten wie diese lesen, die wir aus anderen Nachrichtenquellen gesammelt haben.
D.C.-area forecast: Sunny and delightful today and tomorrow; burst of summer by FridayFriday and Saturday bringing our first taste of 90s.
Weiterlesen »
People Don't Talk About These Benefits Of Raising An Only Child EnoughSure, the lower daycare bills and lack of sibling squabbles are nice, but the research reveals even greater perks for singletons — and for their parents.
Weiterlesen »
Fledgling musical 'boy' gets an all-star concert preview in San DiegoFormer San Diego actor Jonathan Sangster came home to give friends, family and critics a first listen to 'Peter Pan'-inspired show
Weiterlesen »
Congressional UFO Hearing Brings a Few Answers and More QuestionsFor the first time in more than 50 years, Congress conducted a public hearing into the Pentagon's study of unidentified aerial phenomena.
Weiterlesen »
How the Buffalo mass shooting raises the stress, trauma of Black PhiladelphiansDaily News | How the Buffalo mass shooting raises the stress, trauma of Black Philadelphians
Weiterlesen »
Helium levels in the atmosphere are ballooningSensitive techniques show rising levels of two forms of helium, one expected and one a mystery.
Weiterlesen »