Dolphins are probably more diverse than you realize. For instance, did you know that killer whales are actually a type of dolphin? That’s right. The term ‘killer whale’ resulted from a mistranslation. When you count killer whales, there’s approximately 40 unique dolphin species around the world. Here’s an astounding fact: the creature that’s most closely related to a dolphin is in fact a hippopotamus. It may sound unreal, but it’s a fact. Dolphins and hippos split from a common ancestor roughly 40 million years ago. Therefore, genetically, killer whales share more with hippos than with their larger whale kin. Additionally, they are more closely related to us than to any other marine creatures. Interestingly, due to their similarity to humans in terms of cognition and behavior, some scientists suggest dolphins should be classified as non-human persons. When it comes to intelligence, very few animals can rival dolphins. Even your pet pooch might find itself outsmarted. Embark with us on a journey into the captivating world of marine mammals. Prepare yourself for 25 intriguing facts about dolphins and their remarkable abilities.
Featured Image: wikipedia