Talk:Bottlenose dolphin

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Embarrassment

If we want to protect the article from editing because it's so vital and colossally sacrosanct, could we at least make sure the text is SPELLED correctly? I am unfamiliar with, e.g., the word ECHOS, though I have heard of ECHOES. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 2601:589:4B00:7AB:38D9:750B:4B20:AF3A (talk) 11:13, 1 November 2018 (UTC)

New species proposed

A new Tursiops species has been proposed in the coastal United States which was previously grouped under Tursiops truncatus. The new name proposed is Tursiops erebennus (from a resurrected synonymy Delphinus erebennus, Cope 1865) common name proposed is Tamanend's bottlenose dolphin. Here is the paper: https://academic.oup.com/zoolinnean/advance-article-abstract/doi/10.1093/zoolinnean/zlac025/6585199 and here is a press release: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/feature-story/bottlenose-dolphins-along-east-coast-proposed-be-different-species. Potentially should be added here? As well as get a species page? Xarzin (talk) 16:30, 6 June 2022 (UTC)

Confusing Data in "Threats" Section

Slightly confused - the lead of this section claims (uncited) that millions of dolphins die in fishing nets. Is there any source I missed in the article that can verify this claim? A quick google places estimates of the current dolphin population across ~40 species to be in the several hundred thousand, not anywhere close to the number that would be necessary to reach millions of dolphins killed by nets. If this is not accurate, can someone remove it? Thank you! 216.243.30.3 (talk) 21:59, 21 May 2024 (UTC)

I have changed the sentence to fit better with the information in the reference. Axl ¤ [Talk] 22:47, 21 May 2024 (UTC)

Why remove this text?

Dolphins, particularly the bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus), are among the most captivating creatures of the sea, renowned for their intelligence, agility, and complex social behaviors. Understanding their anatomy is crucial for appreciating their unique adaptations to an aquatic environment. This summary explores the physical structure and adaptations of bottlenose dolphins, highlighting their evolutionary features and physiological marvels.

External Anatomy

Body Shape and Size

Bottlenose dolphins exhibit a streamlined, fusiform body shape, ideal for swift and efficient movement through water. They typically range in length from 2 to 4 meters (6.6 to 13 feet) and can weigh between 150 to 650 kilograms (330 to 1430 pounds), with males generally larger than females. This sleek body form minimizes drag and aids in achieving speeds of up to 35 km/h (22 mph).

Coloration and Skin

Their skin is smooth and rubbery, often described as leathery due to a thick layer of epidermis. The coloration varies from light gray to slate gray on the dorsal (upper) side, blending to a lighter shade on the ventral (under) side. This countershading acts as camouflage, making it harder for predators to spot them from both above and below.

Dorsal Fin and Flippers

A prominent feature of the bottlenose dolphin is its dorsal fin, located on the midline of the back. This fin helps with stability while swimming and can vary in shape and size among individuals. Dolphins also possess pectoral flippers, which are used primarily for steering and stabilizing rather than propulsion. These flippers contain bones homologous to the human arm and hand, demonstrating their evolutionary link to terrestrial ancestors.

Tail Fluke

The powerhouse of dolphin locomotion is the tail fluke, which propels them through the water. Composed of tough connective tissue, the fluke moves up and down to generate thrust. The shape and musculature of the tail fluke vary slightly among different dolphin species, influencing their swimming abilities.

Internal Anatomy

Skeletal System

Internally, dolphins have a skeleton adapted for aquatic life. Their bones are generally lighter than those of land mammals, aiding buoyancy, while their limbs have evolved into streamlined flippers without external digits. The skull is elongated and houses a large brain relative to body size, emphasizing their cognitive capabilities.

Respiratory System

Breathing is a conscious effort for dolphins, as they are voluntary breathers. They surface to exhale through a single blowhole located on top of their head. This blowhole is equipped with a muscular flap that seals it shut when submerged, preventing water from entering the respiratory system.

Cardiovascular System

Dolphins possess a highly efficient cardiovascular system adapted to diving and swimming. Their heart, which is larger and more muscular than that of terrestrial mammals of similar size, can adjust its rate depending on the dolphin’s activity level. This adaptation allows them to conserve oxygen and withstand the physiological demands of deep dives.

Digestive System

As carnivorous hunters, dolphins have a simplified digestive tract optimized for digesting fish, squid, and crustaceans. Their teeth are conical and interlocking, perfect for catching and holding prey. Digestion is rapid, with the stomach and intestines efficiently extracting nutrients from their diet.

Sensory and Nervous Systems

Brain and Intelligence

Dolphins are renowned for their intelligence, which is reflected in their complex social behaviors and problem-solving abilities. Their brain is large and highly convoluted, suggesting advanced cognitive capabilities. The cerebral cortex, associated with higher functions such as reasoning and sensory processing, is well-developed.

Echolocation

A hallmark of dolphin adaptation is echolocation, a sophisticated sensory system that allows them to navigate and locate prey by emitting high-frequency clicks and interpreting the returning echoes. The melon, a fatty organ located on their forehead, focuses and directs these sound waves, enabling precise detection of objects underwater.

Vision and Hearing

Dolphins have excellent vision both in and out of water, aided by large, well-developed eyes adapted for underwater vision. They can also hear a broad range of frequencies, essential for communication and echolocation. Their ears are located behind the eyes and covered by a protective flap, maintaining streamlined hydrodynamics.

Reproductive Anatomy and Lifecycle

Reproduction

Bottlenose dolphins reach sexual maturity between 5 to 13 years of age, depending on environmental factors and gender. Mating occurs throughout the year, with females giving birth to a single calf after a gestation period of about 12 months. Calves are born tail-first to prevent drowning and are nursed by their mothers, relying on maternal care and protection.

Social Structure

Dolphins are highly social animals, often forming large pods that facilitate cooperative hunting and social interactions. These pods can vary in size and composition, with individuals displaying complex social hierarchies and communication through vocalizations, body language, and tactile behaviors.

Conservation and Conclusion

Understanding the anatomy of bottlenose dolphins not only deepens our appreciation for their evolutionary adaptations but also underscores the importance of conservation efforts to protect their marine habitats. Threats such as habitat degradation, pollution, entanglement in fishing gear, and human disturbance pose significant challenges to their survival.

In conclusion, the anatomy of bottlenose dolphins reveals a marvel of evolution finely tuned for life in the oceans. From their streamlined bodies and advanced sensory systems to their complex social behaviors and cognitive abilities, these creatures exemplify the beauty and adaptability of marine life. Preserving their habitats and ensuring their well-being is crucial for maintaining the biodiversity and ecological balance of our oceans. Moosebag10 (chatter) 19:50, 16 July 2024 (UTC)

Because none of it is referenced and because the tone is not encyclopaedic; as written it expresses only your opinions ("...only deepens our appreciation...", "...are among the most captivating creatures of the sea...", "...highlighting their evolutionary features and physiological marvels."). David notMD (talk) 21:16, 16 July 2024 (UTC)