How Do Dolphins Communicate? Decoding the Sophisticated Way They Connect

Dolphins are among the most fascinating creatures in the ocean. Unlike other marine creatures, dolphins are used to socializing with other aquatic animals and being friendly with humans.

With their amazing intelligence and social behavior, it's no wonder why humans are fascinated with dolphins. According to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), dolphins can be found in freshwater, coastal areas and oceans. There are about 36 species of dolphins that people can find in the marine environment.

With millions of dolphins around the world, we can't help but wonder: How do dolphins communicate? Dolphins have various sophisticated ways to communicate with one another. They employ sophisticated ways to connect, helping them locate and socialize with their aquatic animals.

WWF stated that dolphins could become chatty animals with their unique whistles, squeaking and groaning abilities. Recent reports noted that dolphins can use sounds and physical contact. The unique vocal pitch of dolphins appears like they are singing.

Here are essential facts about how dolphins can communicate in the oceans! They are very clever in communicating and social learning.

Using echolocation sensation

(Photo : by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States. Dolphins are one of the amazing aquatic animals. Recent reports explained that dolphins used biological sonar echolocation and vocal and physical cues

According to Discovery Cove, the population of dolphins has biological sonar or echolocation that helps them communicate in their environment.

In this way, dolphins can tell an object's or animal's size and direction underwater. Whales.org added that echolocation can help dolphins hunt underwater, potentially allowing them to interpret their surroundings.

Using physical body language

The report also noted that dolphins employ body language to communicate with other dolphins or species. They use their tails or flippers to slap on water, allowing them to alert other dolphins or show interest.

Dolphins can also use sky hopping to look into their surroundings or watch out for possible predators. They can also leap on waters to indicate a sense of joy or happiness. In addition, dolphins can show pleasurable behavior when they rub their bodies or fins with other dolphins.

Meanwhile, dolphins can also show aggressive behavior despite they are social animals. The report explained that harsh bumping and charging could lead to an act of aggression that people should watch out for.

A tail slap can also show that people should leave the area or hunt a fish. An aggressive behavior of dolphins is also when they rapidly exhale called chuff.

Furthermore, one threat behavior of dolphins is when they produce bubbles.

Also Read: 10 Disturbing Facts About Dolphins You'll Wish You Never Knew!

Vocal signals

People may have heard dolphins' unique vocal signals, but they also use vocal cues in communicating and socializing. According to Dolphin Communication Project, dolphins can produce pulsed sounds and pure tones.

The report noted that pure tones could refer to whistles or chipping when they are excited or happy. Whisles are also used when they are missing a friend or companion.

Furthermore, the report noted that jaw pops or claps are said to be loud sounds, also showing playful behavior.

Dolphins communicate in many ways that are unique to their species. Knowing their communication behavior can help them understand their existence more.

Did you know?

Furthermore, dolphins are known as intelligent animals. According to whales.org, dolphins have special brain cells, the spindle neurons, that can help them communicate, reason and understand! 

Related Article: Dolphins at Risk of Suffering from Alzheimer's, Say Scottish Researchers 

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