Social Structure

Dolphins live in groups known as pods. The size of the pods varies but usually ranges from about 5 to 40 members, but can go up to a few hundreds. Dolphins are extremely social creatures, and depend on this interaction for hunting, mating and defending themselves and their pods. Living in the pods help keep away dangerous predators such as sharks. The younger dolphins are usually in the middle, so that they are protected by the older and larger dolphins at the outside. Dolphins are very protective of one another, and form very strong social bonds with the other members of the pod. They stay by injured or ill dolphins, even helping them to breathe by bringing them up to the surface if needed.

Social relationships formed by dolphins are dynamic and long-lasting, and when meeting dolphins of other pods, they engage in a form of greeting ceremony. A common example of social interaction is the constant play that dolphins engage in, such as tossing items back and forth, playing a game of catch, and sometimes wrestling with one another. Dolphins often have close body contact with other dolphins such as rubbing, petting, and playfully hitting each other. Like humans, they form cliques as well. Dolphins swim extremely close to one another, in which experts believe indicates a very close friendship.

Dolphins communicate with their pods through whistles. Researchers believe that each individual dolphin has a unique whistle that identifies him or her to other members of the pod. In distress, dolphins use a special whistle to indicate that help is required. Upon hearing this whistle, the pod usually responds very quickly to offer help for him or her.

Dolphins’ interest in interaction with humans is clear. Being extremely curious, dolphins often engage in contact with humans when there is a chance to in the wild. They tend to seek out social contact with humans, sometimes by surfing along with boats.