NationStates Jolt Archive

Well, it seems they were on to something. Dolphins have been seen using conical sponges as tools to protect their snouts when rooting around on the ocean floor for food. Here's a link.

www.cnn.com/2005/TECH/science/06/06/dolphin.learning.ap/index.html

It's brilliant! :)

Interesting. I found the line about male dolphins a bit odd:

"I would think that they do not have time to engage in such a time-consuming foraging activity as adults, as they are busy herding females."

Male dolphins need energy to chase females so they have to eat something. I would like this explained better. I don't quite get what he means.

Dolphins are a bit short of manipulatory apendages, so to investigate objects males dolphins sometimes use their...
Well, let's just say that I wouldn't want to have to explain to the judge that you were just letting the dolphin investigate you.

LOL. Dolphins using tools! This is pretty cool, but pretty scary. I think they're planning something...* ;)

Anyone else see that episode of the Simpsons where Lisa frees the dolphin then they all come back to the surface and start a revolution?

They're actually writing "So long...and thanks for all the fish!" on the ocean floor.

:p

"I would think that they do not have time to engage in such a time-consuming foraging activity as adults, as they are busy herding females."

Male dolphins need energy to chase females so they have to eat something. I would like this explained better. I don't quite get what he means.

I think what he means is that they don't take the time to find a sponge, then search for food...they just search for food then chase girls.

really pretty close to human males. Who needs utensils/plates

Anyone else see that episode of the Simpsons where Lisa frees the dolphin then they all come back to the surface and start a revolution?
I know I was cheering for the dolphins... :eek:

I know I was cheering for the dolphins... :eek:
Me too. They were too cute!