How Intelligent Are Dolphins?

Dolphins are highly intelligent animals, and this intelligence appears in many aspects of their lives. One well-documented example is their exceptional social memory, the longest recorded in any nonhuman species. This capacity allows them to recall and identify specific individuals they were once familiar with, even after separations lasting more than 20 years. Dolphins also have a complex communication system and make different sounds for different purposes. For example, they emit rapid clicking noises to interpret their surroundings through echolocation, and they produce whistles to communicate with other dolphins and, in some cases, with other species. Research also suggests that each dolphin develops a distinctive “signature whistle” that functions similar to a human name and helps identify it to others.

In addition, dolphins have shown signs of self-awareness, an uncommon trait in the animal kingdom that is typically only associated with higher primates, such as humans and great apes, and a few other animals, including elephants. Experiments have demonstrated that bottlenose dolphins, for instance, can recognize their reflections in mirrors, a response that researchers interpret as evidence of self-recognition. Dolphins have also been observed solving problems, using tools, and engaging in complex play. One well-documented example of tool use is “sponging,” in which some dolphins place marine sponges over their snouts while foraging for food along the seafloor. The sponges protect their noses from abrasion and allow them to probe the sand for prey that might otherwise be difficult to reach.

Dolphins are known for their adaptability, both in the wild and in human care. They can learn new behaviors through observation and training and have been documented performing complex tasks in research and aquarium settings. Their adaptability also extends to their social lives. For instance, dolphins live in pods with flexible membership, where individuals form long-term bonds but may join or leave their pod groups over time. In some groups, females cooperate to care for calves, creating a kind of shared “nursery” arrangement that functions like a daycare for young dolphins, and males in certain populations form alliances that help with mating and defense.