COMMUNICATION MECHANISM OF DOLPHINS IN THE WATER - BIOLOGY - 2024

The communication mechanism of dolphins in the water is predominantly through the emission and reception of sound waves through the sea. To do this, dolphins use various vocal and non-vocal elements.

Dolphins also use tactile skills and synchronized movements with the other members of their group. Also, depending on the purpose of the message they send, dolphins use different frequencies of sound.

For example, bottlenose dolphins use vocalizations between 0.25 and 50 kilohertz to socialize with the same species. Instead, the highest frequency clicks, between 40 and 150 kilohertz, are used for echolocation purposes.

Echolocation consists of emitting a group of sounds and waiting for the reception of the rebound waves, to estimate the distance that exists with respect to the receiver of the waves.

The speed of sound through bodies of water is up to four times the ability to propagate through air. This is the effectiveness of this communication mechanism.

Voice communication signals

Dolphins produce two types of vocal signals: pure tones and pulsed sounds. Both are generated in the nasal air sacs of the dolphin.

Pure tones

Pure tones are those that constantly change within a modulated frequency, that is, they are characterized by highs and lows.

These sounds are called whistles, and they are used by dolphins to communicate with their peers over long distances.

Thanks to the whistles, dolphins can express happiness, sadness, sexual arousal or even send messages in the distance to their group of dolphins.

Pulsed tones

On the other hand, the pulsed tones are short and are repeated sequentially, quickly. This type of sound is called a click.

Clicks are generated at a rate higher than the human audible rate. They are used for purposes of spatial location, navigation and echolocation.

Non-vocal communication signals

Dolphins are able to communicate without emitting sounds or vibrations on their own, but rather by causing sounds in their environment. This type of communication is called non-vocal.

Among these types of signals are:

Tail and fin strokes

They are used to emit loud sounds, which are useful to communicate with other dolphins in their pod if it is at considerable distances.

Jaw sounds

By quickly grasping the upper and lower jaws, dolphins are able to produce a very strong acoustic signal that can travel great distances.

This type of signal has two connotations: it can be understood as an incitement to play, or it can be interpreted as a threat to another dolphin.

Chuffs

They are rapid exhalations through your breather, and generally this type of signal is associated with aggressive behavior.

Alternative communication

In addition, dolphins are able to communicate with their friends by imitating their movements. This synchronized behavior implies that there is a very close relationship between the specimens.

Furthermore, dolphins are also capable of communicating using tactile cues, as their skin is highly sensitive to contact.

Between dolphins they can rub against each other, resting part of their body or their fins on a body section of one of their pairs.

This type of communication is widely understood as a sign of friendship and affiliation among dolphins.

References

1. Caney, M. (2017). Dolphin Communication. Recovered from: dolphin-way.com
2. Decoding and Deciphering Dolphin Sounds (2016). The wild Dolphin project. Florida, USA. Recovered from: wilddolphinproject.org
3. How do Dolphins communicate? (2017) Dolphin Communication Project. Florida, USA. Recovered from: dolphincommunicationproject.org
4. Language and communication of dolphins (2015). Delfinpedia. Recovered from: delfinpedia.com
5. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Delphinidae (2017). Recovered from: es.wikipedia.org