Dolphins Facts and Information - Article Example

Dolphins Facts and Information In the vast areas of the sea, dolphins are rightfully called human’s best friend. Our contact with dolphins has long been documented and adored all over the world. We all have heard stories about dolphins saving lives or guiding ships in times of trouble. We have also seen movies made about them. We have also witnessed how they play and entertain people at different theme parks. However, beyond our interest in dolphin interaction is the amazing fact behind its anatomy, behavior, and communication. Weighing up to 500 pounds and growing 8 to 9 feet in length, dolphins, as marine mammals, breath with their lungs, provide milk for their young, and perform live birth. They are also believed to have once lived on land some ten million years ago. According to scientists, dolphins’ skeleton show that its front flippers is a modified form of hands and the two unattached bones behind its ribcage are pelvic girdles, to which hind limbs once attached (MacGillivray, 2000). Interestingly, dolphins are known for its complex communication which consists of their call ranges, cognitive skills, and ability to modify signals through vocal learning. A study by Janik (2000) revealed how bottlenose dolphin uses whistles that could reach over 580 meters to interact one another. Aside from this, dolphins are known to communicate through sonar which interest auditory researchers, acoustical physics, and even military scientists. In his book “The Sonar of Dolphins”, Au (1993) documented the abilities to echolocate which means it can explore the depths of the ocean through echo and with little use of sight. With almost forty species, dolphins are known to reach sexual maturity for about six to ten years and copulate from belly to belly through a gestation period which takes up to 11-17 months. After this period, mother dolphins nurse her baby for about a year as female dolphins give birth to one calf every two years. Moreover, when it comes to its sleeping behavior, it is known that dolphins suffocate in full deep sleep and so, they only sleep one half of their brain at a time for about 8 hours a day (Ridgway, 1990). With this, their lifespan could reach at a maximum of 40 up to 50 years. Dolphins in Greek History Dolphins have long been a fascination for human civilization since the ancient Greek period. These marine mammals are said to have always been friendly to the boaters and bathers at the ancient city of Greece. As such, it does not come as a surprise that the name “dolphin” has its origins from the Greek word delphus which literally means womb and this can be interpreted as “a fish with a womb” (Lidell & Scott, 1940). It also does not come as a surprise that the science of cetology originated from the studies of Greek scholars. In his Historia Animalium, Aristotle first documented several studies about dolphins’ behavior and classified them as mammals. Through his observations, he noted how “they female dolphins nurture its offspring and communicated through underwater sounds” (Wik, 2002). Aside from Aristotle, Greek writers have also mentioned dolphins in their stories, often portraying them as friendly creatures of the sea. In 75 A.D., Plutarch wrote about the story of Korianos who begged for a dolphin’s life and was later saved by it during a shipwreck. On the other hand, Greek poet Oppian narrated how dolphins help fishermen in catching fishes by pushing them into their nets (Eyers, 2011). According to Dr. Alexandros Frantzis, head of the The Pelagos Cetacean Research Institute, "the image of dolphins then, like nowadays probably had some relaxing effect toward humans and was probably a symbol of the harmony and the health of the marine environment." Aside from writers, artists and craftsmen also featured dolphins in their works. For instance, Greek sailors used to display dolphin insignias on their ancient ship to ensure protection. Also, during the 5th century B.C., exquisite ceramics and ancient coins of over 40 Greek cities featured dolphin images as for decorative purposes. During the 1600 BC, the queen’s bathroom of the west-wing at the Palace of Knossos was adorned by artistic mural featuring the dolphins (ONMEGA Dolphin Academy & Research Center, 2011). Aside from these, there are other depictions of dolphins in pottery, mural, and jewelry which reflect our ancient fascination and appreciation for these marine mammals. Dolphins and the Greek Culture Dolphins have been part of the Greek culture for many years. In fact, Greek mythology has also included the creature in its tales of adventures. Apollo was said to have appeared in the form of dolphin during its visit to the site of the oracle named Delphi. Another reference to dolphin in Greek mythology also includes Taras, the son of Neptune, who was carried by the dolphin towards the town. In the same way, Telemachus, the son of Ulysses, was also rescued by dolphins when he fell into the water as a child (ONMEGA Dolphin Academy & Research Center, 2011). Because of these depictions of dolphins in Greek mythology, it can be inferred that they are treated as sacred creatures which cannot be harmed. According to the poet Oplan: “The hunting of dolphins is immoral and whoever willingly devises destruction for dolphins can no more draw nigh the gods as a welcome sacrifice”. For ancient Greeks, the killing of dolphins is a grave crime since these creatures were often portrayed as once human who, throughout the years, have maintained their human-like qualities such as compassion and care (Catton, 1995). Truly, the significance of dolphins has fully been integrated in Greek culture and history. The Economic Side of Dolphins in Greece Though on a decline, the dolphin population in the Mediterranean Sea has been abundant until the 19th century. However, conservation groups and local authorities are ensuring that dolphins in Greece are protected. One of the main reasons for this effort is the growing tourism of dolphin watching, mostly during sailing trips in Greece. The abundance of dolphins in Greek seas has recently been uncovered by researchers and this is a potential boost to their tourism. In fact, a high concentration of bottlenose dolphins is found in the Amvrakikos Gulf. According to scientists, there are 120 up to 140 dolphins roaming around the area. Southern Crete has been identified as the “is the only known area in the world where social groups (i.e. females and their offspring) and solitary males co-exist all year round” (Pelagos Cetacean Research Institute). Through protection and conservation of dolphin, Greece can again regain its status as the haven for the friendly dolphins. Works Cited Ridgway, S.H. The Central Nervous System of the Bottlenose Dolphin. Massachusetts: Academic Press, 1990. Print. ONMEGA Dolphin Academy & Research Center. All About Dolphin Life. 2011. Web. 17 October 2011. http://encyclopedia.delphintherapieweb.de/index.php?option=com_content&view=catego ry&layout=blog&id=4&Itemid=10 MacGillivray, Greg. Dolphins: A Teachers Guide. 2000. Web. 17 October 2011. http://www.si.edu/Content/SE/Educator%20Guides/Dolphins.pdf Janik, Vincent M. Whistle Matching in Wild Bottlenose Dolphins. Science. 289.1 (2000): 1355-1357. Print. Liddell, H. G. & Scott, Robert. A Greek-English Lexicon. Oxford, UK: Clarendon Press, 1940. Print. Eyers, Jonathan. Don't Shoot the Albatross!: Nautical Myths and Superstitions. London, UK. A & C Black, 2000. Print. Wik, Preben. Building Bridges: A Cognitive Science Approach to a Human Dolphin. Oslo, Norway: University of Oslo Press, 2002. Print. Au, Whitlow W. L. The Sonar of Dolphins. Germany: Springer, 1993. Print. Pelagos Cetacean Research Institute. Whales And Dolphins In Crete. 2011. Web. 17 October 2011. http://www.greeceindex.com/nature/sperm_whales_dolphins.html   Read More