Dolphins Facts Science Game for Kids

This science game will help kids learn and review key facts about dolphins.

Dolphins are Mammals
Did you know that Dolphins are considered mammals? Did you know they are smart, social, agile, and intelligent? Continue reading to find out more about these amazing animals. Dolphins are intelligent mammals that live in the ocean and are some of the most intelligent mammals on the planet. You might consider adopting a Dolphin to your family if you are passionate about the ocean and love animals. Visit a dolphin sanctuary to learn more about the dolphin life.

Dolphins are mammals
Did you know that dolphins are mammals, too? These warm-blooded animals have hair follicles, but no gills. To breathe, they must be exposed to air. This makes them look like fish. The infraorder Cetacea is the classification for dolphins. Cetacea can be confused with porpoises and whales, as they are not as easily classed as other mammals.

They are intelligent
Although there isn't any definitive evidence that dolphins can be intelligent, there are some signs. The Institute for Marine Mammal Studies, Mississippi, USA, has taught dolphins how to retrieve trash. Each time they return rubbish, they are given fish to reward them. Kelly, a dolphin named after Kelly, has discovered that the amount of rubbish is not important. She breaks down the rubbish and places them under a rock in the tank. She then returns the pieces one at a time, showing a sense delayed gratification as well as anticipation.

They are social
Dolphins, like humans, are social animals. They live in pods, which are groups of dolphins that travel together and care for each other. Mothers and their calves make up the largest social group of bottlenose dolphins. Unrelated male dolphins form strong bonds early in their lives and often swim together when they are swimming. This behavior is a sign of the importance social interaction plays for dolphins. These are just a few of the many ways that dolphins interact with their environment.

They are agile
Dolphins are incredibly agile due to their streamlined bodies. They can jump up to 1,640 feet, and can also dive up to 1,640ft. They consume six to eight kilograms of fish daily, making them highly skilled divers. They inhale through a blowhole at the top of their heads. They are active throughout the day but also have a tendency to take naps below the water's surface. To breathe, dolphins may lift their heads above the water.

They hunt in pods for food
Dolphins hunt in groups for food. They hunt fish in groups close to the shore. Here they alternate between eating and guarding them. Over time, their hunting methods have evolved to suit the environment they live in. Dolphins can catch 70% of the fish they catch during feeding times. They will feed one fish at a time from a large group of fish that they have gathered in shallower waters.

They give their names
Marine biologists believe that dolphins can give themselves names. Many have heard dolphins use their names in conversation. Dolphins use whistles to call their wild comrades. Since 1975, the whistles of bottlenose dolphins have received extensive research in Sarasota Bay (Florida). Researchers believe dolphin whistles can be compared to human names. Researchers are trying to determine which whistles dolphins respond best.

They are able to interact with people
Dolphins can interact with humans in many different ways. Some dolphins are not aggressive and may not seek out human contact. However, some dolphins have social behaviors that can be very beneficial to humans. Here are some examples. Dolphins are known to have a special affinity for pregnant women. They can detect the presence of a developing foetus by using echolocation. Some even help women give birth. Read on to learn more about dolphin behavior.