Dolphins are widely considered some of the smartest animals on the planet. While they aren't as intelligent as humans, they're definitely smarter than many other animals. But how smart are dolphins really? Keep reading to find out!
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Dolphins have very large brains. In fact their brain-to-body ratio is second only to humans. Having a large brain allows them to have complex thoughts and relationships.
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The way that dolphins "see" is
different than the way that humans see. Instead of using their eyes to
get a grasp of what's going on around them, dolphins use echolocation —
essentially they "see" with sonar.
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Whales.org
explains, "Their echolocation abilities are phenomenal; they can
determine extraordinary details about everything around them. They use
echolocation to hunt and navigate even in dark or murky water."
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In an article for National Geographic,
Joshua Foer explains, "They 'see' with sonar and do so with such
phenomenal precision that they can tell from a hundred feet away whether
an object is made of metal, plastic, or wood. They can even eavesdrop
on the echolocating clicks of other dolphins to figure out what they're
looking at."
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According to researchers, dolphins sleep with only half of their brains resting at a time. They also sleep with one eye open. This allows dolphins to breathe while they sleep and keep an eye out for danger.
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One of the most incredible things about dolphins is the way in which
they communicate with one another. "Not only do they whistle and click,"
explains Foer to National Geographic, "but they also emit loud
broadband packets of sound called burst pulses to discipline their young
and chase away sharks."
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Dolphins communicate with each other very often. Whales.org explains, "Scientists agree that they communicate with each other in sophisticated and at times, novel and interactive ways."
In fact, dolphins' language is so complicated that humans still haven't figured it out, even after decades of research.
In fact, dolphins' language is so complicated that humans still haven't figured it out, even after decades of research.
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Dolphins, like humans, use distinct names for one another. According to whales.org,
"Experts have figured out that some dolphin species use distinct names
for one another; they are identifiable, individual whistles sometimes
known as signature whistles."
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Dolphins' social nature isn't just evident in their communication. They also build large and complex social networks with other dolphins. They work together to find and catch their food, as well as to avoid danger. Many dolphins form relationships that can last for years or even decades.
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Dolphins are also incredibly playful creatures, which hints at their high level of intelligence. Dolphins play all sorts of games with one another — from racing to playing catch, much of their playfulness is reminiscent of himan behavior.
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When dolphins leap and flip through the air together, this is an expression of playfulness and camaraderie. Like other intelligent creatures, dolphins will play with each other to relax and enjoy themselves.
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Although we can't test dolphins' intelligence the same way we test humans' intelligence — like IQ tests, etc. — there are some tests researchers can perform. One such test is the mirror test. Dolphins are smart enough and self-aware enough to recognize themselves in a mirror.
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According to whales.org,
"The ability to recognise yourself in a mirror is often used by
developmental psychologists as a measure of intelligence and
self-awareness. Dolphins pass the mirror test with flying colours!
This skill is rare. Besides humans, only bottlenose dolphins,
chimpanzees, elephants and magpies have been shown to recognize
themselves in a mirror. Human children start showing signs of
self-recognition at about 12 months at the earliest and chimpanzees at
two years old. Dolphins recognise themselves in a mirror even earlier,
at only seven months old."
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There's no denying that dolphins are brilliant creatures. In some ways, they may even be more intelligent than humans.
