- The most difficult part of determining the intelligence of dolphins lies in defining "intelligence." Some researchers believe intelligence is defined by the ability to communicate, while others believe it is based on self-awareness. Others look for the ability to solve problems. Some notable abilities of dolphins that seem to indicate a high level of intelligence include understanding numbers working cohesively in groups. Groups of over 100 dolphins can react to environmental hazards such as sharks in near unison. While dolphin intelligence has been studied extensively in captivity, it is difficult to accomplish in the wild. The natural habitat of dolphins is so extensive that few studies have produced conclusive results in the wild.
- The most common species of dolphin, the bottle-nosed dolphin, has a brain mass of 1,500-1,700 grams. This is larger than that of humans, who have a brain mass of 1,300-1,400 grams. Human newborns have a brain mass that is 25 percent of that of adults. In comparison, newborn dolphins have a brain mass that is over 42% of their eventual adult brain mass. Transmission time of information is faster in dolphins than in humans. This may be a result of their need to process sound quickly for echolocation.
- One notable aspect of dolphin intelligence that is highly debated is their ability to communicate. Dolphins emit two types of sounds--whistles and clicks. Individual dolphins develop a signature, identifying whistle early in life. Dolphins use signature whistles to call to one another. Many observations seem to indicate that dolphins have a unique language used to communicate with one another. In one study, intended for the observation of gray whales, several aluminum poles were erected in Scammon's Lagoon, outside San Diego. A group of bottle-nosed dolphins encountering the barrier seemed to huddle and communicate in a series of whistles and clicks. One member of the group seemed to be elected the "scout." This dolphin approached and investigated the barrier. Upon returning to the group, the scout dolphin was greeted with excited chirps. After more conversation, the group passed the barrier. Several years later a nearly identical occurrence was observed by another group of researchers.
- In addition to their communication skills, dolphins have exhibited the ability to learn a variety of complex tricks. They can understand and respond to human commands. In addition, some research has shown that dolphins have the ability to demonstrate creative responses. One study rewarded the participants for producing unique behaviors that they had not previously learned. One of the dolphins in the study required 16 sessions to understand the goal, and produce distinct behaviors. The other dolphin required 33 sessions. When the experiment was repeated on humans, it took about the same amount of time for the subjects to understand the goal.
- Many researchers have also observed a notable sense of humor in dolphins. These playful animals have been observed rolling slow-moving turtles over and over in the water, and sneaking up quietly behind pelicans to nip at the unsuspecting victim's tail feathers. Though the ability to play these creative pranks on other animals cannot measurably determine the presence of intelligence, it is a very interesting observance.
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