Dolphins are Really Smart, But are they Smarter than Humans?

by Ayelen Flores Ruiz, age 12

Is it possible that dolphins might be smarter than humans? Scientists are currently performing tests on dolphin intelligence to find out if they are smarter than humans.

Despite being intelligent creatures, there are certain species that are smarter than dolphins; however, these marine animals remain capable of impressive problem solving skills and interpersonal behavior. To further examine this phenomenon, multiple studies were conducted on a dolphin named Kelly. She was given a test where she had to bring pieces of paper back to the researchers, and in return, she would be rewarded with fish. Kelly eventually learned to tear the paper into several pieces and, instead, keep it under a rock. From this, the dolphin learned that by returning the manually ripped pieces she could get more fish.

Kelly was not the only dolphin that was tested. In fact, another dolphin named Billie was evaluated, as well. Billie was rescued by scientists when she was trapped in a shallow bay. She was in rehabilitation for three weeks, but soon after, she was returned to the wild. One particular observation the researchers noticed is how Billie began to leap out of the water and motion backwards on its tail. Scientists were confused on how she was able to perform this action since it is abnormal behavior for a wild dolphin to tail-walk. Scientists found out that she developed this ability by observing the fellow dolphins in her rehab. Another skill that Billie had was being able to teach the other dolphins within her community.

The studies show that dolphins in the wild are as capable of learning how to use tools as trained dolphins are. In addition, they can also pass knowledge to younger dolphins. A mature dolphin often attaches sponges to their own snouts in order to protect themselves while foraging for food. This skill is commonly passed down from the mother to her offspring. From all the known research on dolphins, it is likely that they do not operate on the same intelligence field as humans. However, wild dolphins have the same ability to beneficially adapt to their surroundings, solve problems, and to form complex social groups.

Dolphins have unique abilities that make them one of the smartest animals in the world and more research is done every day to understand the capabilities of these creatures.

[Sources: Discover Magazine; Image Credit: cbc.ca]