Tool Use and Problem-Solving
One of the most compelling signs of dolphin intelligence is their use of tools. In Shark Bay, Australia, bottlenose dolphins have been observed placing marine sponges on their snouts to protect them while foraging along the ocean floor. This behavior is learned and passed down from mother to calf, indicating a form of culture.
Advertisement
Dolphins also excel at problem-solving tasks, including puzzles and object manipulation. In captivity, they have been known to collaborate with humans and other dolphins to complete complex tasks, using trial-and-error methods and learning from each other’s successes.
Self-Awareness and Emotions
Dolphins have passed the mirror test, a method used to determine self-awareness in animals. They recognize themselves in mirrors, a trait shared with only a few species like great apes, elephants, and magpies. This level of cognitive development implies a sophisticated sense of identity.
Emotions also play a crucial role in dolphin life. They have been observed grieving dead companions, showing empathy, and even forming friendships across species. Their behaviors suggest an emotional depth that humans are only beginning to understand.
