eHow launches Android app: Get the best of eHow on the go.
Dolphins are a type of marine mammal, with over 40 different types existing in various parts of the world. They are highly intelligent creatures who have attracted our attention because of their friendly and playful nature. They have been featured in films, cartoons and various myths throughout the years and are an important species... more »
Dolphins are marine mammals that are closely related to whales and porpoises. Dolphins are often confused with porpoises, and though the two are related, they are separate species. People are often fascinated by dolphins because of their clever antics and intelligence. They are social creatures known to interact with humans. There... more »
Dolphins are intelligent mammals. Their intelligence shows in their creative ability to invent new games. Different pods of dolphins have shown to have different games and play behaviors. Dolphin play behavior is not limited to adolescence. Dolphins exhibit playful behavior throughout their lives. Because captive dolphins are not able... more »
The different species of dolphins are spread across every ocean and several major rivers around the world. While they may range in size, geographical location and looks, humans are captivated by all the dolphin species. more »
Dolphins are intelligent marine mammals that inhabit every ocean of the world and are very closely related to whales and porpoises. There are 33 known species of marine dolphins and another four species of dolphins that live in both the ocean and in rivers. The most commonly known dolphin is the bottlenose dolphin, while species such... more »
Dolphins are believed to be very playful animals, and their strong social structure makes it very possible that they do enjoy themselves. Like... more »
You can distinguish a male dolphin from a female dolphin by examining its lower stomach. A male dolphin has two slits: One slit contains the penis... more »
Since dolphins need to breathe, they sleep along the surface of the water or rise to the surface occasionally while resting along the bottom of a... more »
Dolphins use small ear openings on both sides of their heads to listen to or hear sounds. These small openings are what they would usually use for... more »
While dolphins live, eat and swim in the water they are not considered fish like most sea creatures. Dolphins, like whales, are actually mammals. more »
Dolphins are marine mammals that are closely related to whales and porpoises. There are almost forty species of dolphin in seventeen genera. They vary in size from and (Mauis Dolphin), up to and (the Orca or Killer Whale). They are found worldwide, mostly in the shallower seas of the continental shelves, and are carnivores, mostly eating fish and squid. The family Delphinidae is the largest in the Cetacean order, and relatively recent: dolphins evolved about ten million years ago, during the Miocene. Dolphins are among the most intelligent animals and their often friendly appearance and seemingly playful attitude have made them popular in human culture.
Origin of the name
The name is originally from Ancient Greek (delphÃs; "dolphin"), which was related to the Greek (delphys; "womb"). The animals name can therefore be interpreted as meaning "a fish with a womb". The name was transmitted via the Latin delphinus, Middle Latin dolfinus and the Old French daulphin, which reintroduced the ph into the word.
The word is used in a few different ways. It can mean:
* Any member of the family Delphinidae (oceanic dolphins),
* Any member of the families Delphinidae and Platanistoidea (oceanic and river dolphins),
* Any member of the suborder Odontoceti (toothed whales; these include the above families and some others),
* Used casually as a synonym for Bottlenose Dolphin, the most common and familiar species of dolphin.
This article uses the second definition and does not describe Porpoises (suborder Odontoceti, family Phocoenidae). Orcas and some closely related species belong to the Delphinidae family and therefore qualify as dolphins, even though they are called whales in common language. A group of dolphins is called a "school" or a "pod". Male dolphins are called "bulls", females "cows" and young dolphins are called "calves".
Taxonomy
* Suborder Odontoceti, toothed whales
** Family Delphinidae, oceanic dolphins
** read more at » http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dolphin
Connect with people who share your interest by joining one of our Groups:
How to Hook Up Satellite Internet Service
How to Concentrate Your Mind in Qigong Practice
Learn the Capoeira Ginga
How to Get Fired Gracefully
How to Stop a Shopaholic
How to Drive Defensively During the Holidays
Wonders of the World
Copyright © 1999-2009 eHow, Inc. Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the eHow Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. en-US Portions of this page are modifications based on work created and shared by Google and used according to terms described in the Creative Commons 3.0 Attribution License.
