Interesting Facts About Dolphins for Kids

Dolphins are among the most fascinating and intelligent animals in the ocean, making them a favourite among kids and adults. They are one of the most friendly marine mammals. Dolphins can be found all over the world, and they are closely related to whales. Known for their playful behaviour and friendly nature, dolphins have many interesting traits that set them apart from other sea creatures. If your children love animals, sea animals, to be precise, they will love to learn about dolphins. In this article, we’ve covered some interesting dolphin facts for kids. Read these facts and share them with your children!

Types of Dolphins

Dolphins can be grouped into two main categories: oceanic and river dolphins. These two types live in very different environments and have unique adaptations that help them thrive in their respective habitats. Let’s take a closer look at each type.

1. Oceanic Dolphins

Oceanic dolphins make up the largest family of dolphins, with species ranging from the massive killer whale to the much smaller species. These dolphins are found in seas and oceans worldwide, with many preferring the warm waters near the equator. However, some species, like the killer whale, are also found in colder regions, including the icy polar waters.

2. River Dolphins

River dolphins are a much smaller group, consisting of just five species. These dolphins inhabit freshwater rivers like the Amazon, Ganges, and Indus rivers. Though they resemble their oceanic relatives, river dolphins have distinct features and have evolved separately over millions of years to adapt to river environments.

How Do Dolphins Look Like?

Dolphins have streamlined, torpedo-shaped bodies that allow them to move quickly through the water. They typically have smooth skin, varying in colour from light grey to darker shades, with some species even having patterns or lighter bellies. Their dorsal fin on their back helps them maintain balance while swimming and their flippers on either side allow them to steer through the water. All dolphins have sharp teeth, perfect for catching and holding onto prey.

Depending on the species, dolphins can vary greatly in size, from 5 to 31 feet in length, and can weigh anywhere from 50 kilograms to over 10 tonnes, as in the case of killer whales (1).

How Do They Hunt?

Dolphins are not only fast swimmers but also great hunters who know how to capture their prey. Their diet includes fish, squid and crustaceans, and while hunting, these animals show their intelligence and coordination.

1. Echolocation

One of the most effective way of hunting that dolphins use is echolocation. They produce clicking sounds, which are used in water to reflect off objects, thus enabling the whales to find schools of fish even in the dark. This natural sonar system allows dolphins to “see” with sound.

2. Hunting in Groups

Dolphins often hunt in groups to gather their prey. They surround the fish and create a circle in order to prevent them from escaping, a trick known as herding. Then, one by one, the dolphins take turns to feed. It also is able to increase their chances and guarantee that everyone gets a meal.

Fun Facts About Dolphins for Children

Despite the fact that this adorable ocean animal is popular among kids as well as adults, there are many facts that many people may not know about dolphins. Here are some exciting and entertaining dolphin facts for kids that will make your kids love these sea animals even more.

1. Dolphins Are Extremely Intelligent

Dolphins are extremely intelligent. Apparently, dolphins are as smart as apes, and the evolution of their brains is very similar to that of humans. Dolphins can recognise themselves in the mirror; after humans, dolphins are considered the second most intelligent mammals on the planet (4).

2. Dolphins Are Found All Around the World

These stunning animals are found in almost all parts of the world, including oceans, estuarine, coastal, and freshwater, and in temperatures that can range from 0 degrees Celsius to 30 degrees Celsius. Though most species are confined to coastal, temperate, and tropical oceans, around five species of dolphins are found in freshwater rivers.

3. Dolphins Are Highly Social

Dolphins live and travel in groups known as pods. They also hunt and play together. Some large groups, also known as ‘Super pods’, can have as many as 1000 dolphins in them. Scientists have observed that dolphins address each other with names characterised by individual whistles or sounds. They also use various kinds of sounds, such as clicks, moans, groans, barks, squawks, etc., to communicate with each other.

4. There Are More Than 40 Species of Dolphins

There are more than 40 species of dolphins worldwide. Though most of these species survive in salt water, some can also survive in freshwater. While some of the largest species can be 30 feet in length, the smallest ones are just 3 to 4 feet long. The bottlenose dolphin is the most common dolphin species found in most parts of the world, except the Arctic and Antarctic oceans. The killer whales are the largest species of dolphins.

5. Dolphins Are Great Divers

Dolphins are considered fairly slow swimmers, and they usually swim at a speed of 2 mph; however, they can swim up to 30 mph for brief durations. Dolphins are great divers and can dive more than 1000 feet deep underwater (3).

6. Dolphins Stick With Their Mothers for a Long Time

Baby dolphins or calves stay with their mothers for 4 to 8 years after birth. Research shows that mama dolphins also sing to their unborn babies. The research further supports that these songs are whistles that dolphins teach to their unborn babies. Whistles hold great significance in the dolphin world, as the individual whistle is associated with each dolphin’s identity.

7. Bottlenose Dolphins Can Live Up to 40 Years

Although a dolphin’s lifespan depends on its individual species, most species live between 15 and 16 years of age. Bottlenose dolphins can live up to 40 years of age.

8. Dolphins Are Carnivores

Dolphins are carnivores, which makes them active predators. They eat wide varieties of food that can vary from their geographic location and have preferences for certain kinds of foods. However, most dolphins prefer eating fish, squids, shrimp, and other water animals. Dolphins also have two stomachs; one is used for storing the food consumed, and the other stomach is used for digesting the food. They have an array of teeth, but dolphins only use them for catching their prey. They do not chew their food but swallow it whole.

9. Dolphins Sleep With One Eye Open

One of the interesting facts about dolphins is that these sea mammals sleep with one eye open. This happens because their brain sleeps in shifts, which means their eight hours of sleep are divided into two shifts of four hours each, which are covered by both sides of the brain simultaneously. The awake side of the brain stays active and helps the dolphin avoid drowning and be aware of predators, and that side of the eye also stays open (5).

10. A Dolphin’s Skin Can Regenerate Every Two Hours

A dolphin’s skin plays a crucial part in its underwater movement. The rubbery and smooth skin of bottlenose dolphins regenerates every two hours. The old cells get flaked and peeled, giving room to new skin cells. This keeps the dolphin’s skin smooth, which is helpful in swimming and diving underwater. This skin regeneration in dolphins is almost nine times faster than in humans.

11. Dolphins Have an Amazing Memory

Another great piece of information about dolphins for children is that when it comes to having a long-lasting memory, dolphins lead hands down. Chimpanzees and elephants have been reported to have great memories, too; however, when it comes to dolphins, both these mammals do not even come close.

12. Dolphins Are Conscious Breathers

Breathing in and out is something that comes naturally to most mammals. However, that is not the case with dolphins. Dolphins have to make conscious efforts when it comes to breathing. They make active decisions about inhalation and exhalation, and they have to be fully aware of the blowhole, which needs to be above the surface of the water for inhalation to happen. Dolphins can inhale as much as eight gallons of air in a single second and exhale around 34 gallons, which is approximately three times faster than humans. This inhalation speed allows the dolphins to replace 95 per cent of the air in their lungs in just one breath.

FAQs

1. Why do dolphins jump out of the water?

Dolphins leap out of the water, or “breach,” for many reasons. They do it for fun, to communicate, or to get a better view of their surroundings. Sometimes, they jump to shake off parasites or simply because they’re playful!

2. How do dolphins communicate?

Dolphins communicate with each other using a variety of sounds, such as clicks, whistles, and squeaks. They also use body movements and touch. Each dolphin has a unique whistle that helps others recognise it (2).

Dolphins are among the most adorable animals on our planet, and they are loved by both kids and adults. We hope that the above-listed facts about dolphins for kids will get them excited and in awe of these splendid creatures. Share them with your children and encourage them to learn more about dolphins and other animals!

References/Resources:

1. FACTS ABOUT DOLPHINS; WDC; https://us.whales.org/whales-dolphins/facts-about-dolphins/?gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI14WVwY67iAMVFKtmAh2KRQEyEAAYASAAEgJfI_D_BwE

2. 7 dolphin facts that may surprise you; WORLD ANIMAL PROTECTION; https://www.worldanimalprotection.org.uk/latest/blogs/7-dolphin-facts/

3. TOP 10 FACTS ABOUT DOLPHINS; WWF-UK; https://www.wwf.org.uk/learn/fascinating-facts/dolphins

4. 10 FIN-TASTIC FACTS ABOUT DOLPHINS; The Reef-World Foundation; https://reef-world.org/blog/world-dolphin-day

5. 4 fun facts about dolphins that will blow your mind; WORLD ANIMAL PROTECTION; https://www.worldanimalprotection.ca/blogs/4-fun-facts-about-dolphins-will-blow-your-mind/

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