Dolphins range in size from the 1.7-metre-long (5ft 7in) and 50-kilogram (110-pound) Maui's dolphin to the 9.5m (31ft) and 10-tonne (11-short-ton) orca. Various species of dolphins exhibit sexual dimorphism where the males are larger than females. They have streamlined bodies and two limbs that are modified into flippers. Though not quite as flexible as seals, they are faster; some dolphins can briefly travel at speeds of 29 kilometres per hour (18mph) or leap about 9 metres (30ft). [1] Dolphins use their conical teeth to capture fast-moving prey. They have well-developed hearing which is adapted for both air and water. It is so well developed that some can survive even if they are blind. Some species are well adapted for diving to great depths. They have a layer of fat, or blubber, under the skin to keep warm in the cold water. Genus Pseudorca (false killer whale) 1 species found worldwide in tropical to warm temperate waters.

Rough-toothed Dolphins are named for the distinctive ridges on their teeth. They have a slim body, a long beak, a tall dorsal fin, and a dark gray color with lighter patches. They are typically found in deep offshore waters and feed on fish and squid. While not much is known about the species’ behavior due to its remote habitat, it is known to be a fast swimmer and capable of spectacular aerial displays, often seen leaping and riding swells and waves. This species is highly social, usually living in groups of up to 15 individuals, and often associating with other dolphin species, including the common bottlenose dolphin, with which the Atlantic spotted dolphin has been known to successfully breed. Dolphins do not hunt humans – that is, they do not see humans as prey or a food source. They do not eat humans. But dolphins are large, strong animals that will defend themselves if they feel threatened. This can result in death to humans by drowning or injury.Lavery, T.J.; Butterfield, N.; Kemper, C.M.; Reid, R.J. & Sanderson, K. (1991). "Induction of labor using intracervical prostaglandin E2 gel: The outcome". Journal of the Medical Association of Thailand = Chotmaihet Thangphaet. 74 (11): 491–7. PMID 1800604. Sadly, several dolphin species are endangered. We’ve included the IUCN conservation status of each species (Source: IUCN Red List, June 2023). You can use the table below to sort the dolphin species by conservation status. Types Of Dolphins Gibbs, R.H., Jr. and Collette, B.B. 1959. On the identification, distribution, and biology of the dolphins, Coryphaena hippurus and C. equiselis. Bulletin of Marine Science 9(2): 117-152. While they are all born a light gray color, the ones near China are white, while those near Taiwan are pink.

Some disagree with these findings, arguing that the results of these tests are open to human interpretation and susceptible to the Clever Hans effect. This test is much less definitive than when used for primates, because primates can touch the mark or the mirror, while cetaceans cannot, making their alleged self-recognition behavior less certain. Skeptics argue that behaviors that are said to identify self-awareness resemble existing social behaviors, and so researchers could be misinterpreting self-awareness for social responses to another individual. The researchers counter-argue that the behaviors shown are evidence of self-awareness, as they are very different from normal responses to another individual. Whereas apes can merely touch the mark on themselves with their fingers, cetaceans show less definitive behavior of self-awareness; they can only twist and turn themselves to observe the mark. [72]The melon-headed whale is highly social, forming pods that often contain several hundreds of individuals. The largest melon-headed whale pods contain up to 2,000 individuals. A cookie set by YouTube to measure bandwidth that determines whether the user gets the new or old player interface.