Dolpin (13) Flashcards
(30 cards)
How can dolphins get high?
By playing with pufferfish (By passing one around within a small group and biting on it)
* Pufferfish release a neurotoxin when threatened
* But in small doses it has a narcotic effect
How can you tell if you have a sad/angry dolphin?
If they have an S-shaped posture.
What is one way dolphins display aggression during encounters?
Open mouth display - this is a common signal used by dolphins to convey dominance.
Dolphins sometimes blow bubble rings from their blowholes. Give two reasons why they might do this.
- For fun/entertainment
- To signal escalating aggression
How can you summarize dolphin aggression?
“Dolphins are social animals. They are not friendly all the time. They have their own needs and annoyances and show a continuum of behavior from play to aggression. Dolphins, like other animals, will show their aggression when you are disturbing them. You just have to be savvy enough to recognize their signals.”
Are dolphins monogamous animals?
No, dolphins are not monogamous animals.
What type of societies do bottlenose dolphins live in?
“Fission-fusion” societies (where pods are constantly changing in size and numbers).
Which bonds are believed to be the strongest in bottlenose dolphin societies?
Bonds between males.
What type of bonds do female dolphins tend to maintain?
Weak-to-moderate bonds with other females.
Describe the courtship and copulation behaviors of dolphins (Four things).
They include open mouth displays, s-posturing, erratic swimming patterns, and vocalizations.
True or False: Sexual behaviors in dolphins are only performed in a reproductive context.
False.
Females tend to maintain _______ bonds with other females.
weak-to-moderate.
What is the gestation period for bottlenose dolphins?
Approximately 12 months
How are calves usually born (what body part emerges first)?
Tail first
How long can the birth process for a bottlenose dolphin take?
30 minutes to 3 hours
What is the condition of a calf’s dorsal fin at birth?
It lies flat on the calf’s back
When does a calf’s dorsal fin typically become erect?
By about 24 – 48 hours after birth
What is the normal number of offspring at birth for marine mammals?
1
Why is it believed that marine mammals typically have only one offspring at a time?
Due to the immense amount of care required for a single offspring
What is tail slapping by dolphins usually a sign of (Three possible things)?
- A non-vocal sign of discontent
- A way to deter predators
- A way to to tell other pod members that it’s time to leave the area
- When dolphins form exceptionally large pods (in the thousands) what are they known as?
- Why do these pods form?
- Superpods!
- These pods form during a “sardine run” when loads of pods come together to tactifully catch as many sardines as possible.
How many dolphins can there be in a sardine run?
Around 18,000
What are the two different “roles” in a sardine run?
- Herder - splits sardines into “bait balls”.
- Bubble netter - creates walls of bubbles to trap sardines
What are pectoral fins, dorsal fins, and flukes used for?
- Pectoral fins: changing direction
- Dorsal fin: stability
- Flukes: propulsion
