1. Other Odontoceti in the same group as dolphins are porpoises, killer whales (orcas), and pilot whales.
2. Dolphins communicate by whistles and clicks.
3. Dolphins send out clicks to an object, which echo back, telling the dolphin how far away and how big the object is.
4. Dolphins have lungs and breathe through blowholes on the top of their head.
5. The tail fin moves up and down to move the dolphin’s body forward. The dorsal (back) fin keeps the dolphin upright.
6. The skin feels like warm, wet rubber. It is generally in shades of black, white and gray. It has blubber underneath to help keep the dolphin warm.
7. A melonhead is an organ that looks like a bump on the dolphin’s head that helps carry sound.
8. Dolphins generally live about fifteen years.
9. Dolphins are social because they travel in groups called schools. Their babies (calves) are born live, and the bond between mother and baby is very strong. Dolphins have been known to save drowning humans. They are highly intelligent, interact easily with people, and can be trained. They are also playful in their groups.
10. The dolphins’ enemies are the killer whale, sharks, and humans.