Dolphin Gifts

Dolphins are marine mammals that are closely related to whales
and porpoises. There are almost forty species of dolphin in
seventeen genera. Dolphins are often regarded as one of Earth's
most intelligent animals, though it is hard to say just how
intelligent. Comparing species' relative intelligence is complicated
by differences in sensory apparatus, response modes, and nature
of cognition. Furthermore, the difficulty and expense of experimental
work with large aquatic animals has so far prevented some
tests and limited sample size and rigor in others. Compared
to many other species however, dolphin behavior has been studied
extensively, both in captivity and in the wild.

Dolphins are social, living in pods of up to a dozen individuals.
In places with a high abundance of food, pods can merge temporarily,
forming a superpod; such groupings may exceed 1,000 dolphins.

Size: Dolphins vary in size by species. The
smallest dolphin is Maui's Dolphin measuring 4 feet
in length and weighing about 90 lbs. The largest dolphin
is the Orca Whale, measuring 30 feet in length and weighing
several tons.

Habitat: Dolphin species are found in both
fresh and salt water.

Description: Dolphins have long streamline bodies
with flukes and flippers to help them swim. Dolphins
have a blow hole on the top of their heads.

Diet: A dolphins diet varies depending on the
size of the species. Smaller dolphins feed on fish and
squid, while larger dolphins will feed on larger marine
animals.

Communication: Dolphins are excessively
vocal and social. Dolphins use a series of sounds
and echolocation to communicate with other dolphins
in the pod.