Dolphins say their names
12 May 2006
by Carina Lee
Dolphins respond to unique whistles from each other for recognition, like a name, according to research done by marine biologists from the University of St Andrews. Dr Vincent Janik, from the Sea Mammal Research Unit, and his colleagues studied groups of dolphins in Florida by observing the way they communicate and interact with each other and seeing if they responded to artificially-produced sounds. It seems that they possess the ability of identifying each other using similar system of naming in humans. Janik explains “Since voice features are affected by changing water pressure, voice-independent names might be a reliable way to convey identity.” |
|
Related Links
Original press release from University of St Andrews
Nature
& Science News
ClearlyExplained.com