About this event:

“How Smart are Dolphins?” The students were entralled when watching this TEDed educational video by Lori Marino. We were able to watch the video through the projecter today with speakers thanks to Mr. Charlie.

We learned that dolphins are one the the smartest animal species on earth. Like whales and porpoises, dolphins belong to the group of aquatic mammals known as “Cetaceans”. They started out as hoof mammals that moved to the sea. With a huge shift in the temperature of the sea the dolphin was one of the groups that survived this shift. Scientist believe this survival was due to the complex brain of the dolphin. 

Dolphins have evolved to surive through their ability to form complex social networks to hunt, ward off rivals and raise offspring together. For example one group of Florida dolphins practice a sophiticated form of cooperation to hunt fish. One dolphin is designated as the netmaker. The netmaker kicks up mud while another gives the signal simultaneously to line up and catch the escaping fish. Achieving a goal like this requires deliberate planning and cooperation and some form of intentional communication. It is fascinating to learn that communication and other skills are passed from generation to generation! We will revisit dolphins in group tomorrow to give the students an opportunity to share what interests them most!  

Parents and fellow dolphin lovers may enjoy “Voices in the Ocean” by Susan Casey (A Journey into the Wild and Hanunting World of Dolphins). I am throughly enjoying as part of our summer school studies.