Subject: intelligence,dolphins
Dagmar Fertl (dagmar_fertl@hotmail.com)
Wed, 22 Sep 1999 06:13:51 PDT
My name is Melissa and I have an extreme fascination with dolphins. My
question to you is: What makes dolphins so intelligent? It is almost like
they know what we are saying to them. Thank you so much for your time.
Sincerely,
Melissa
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Melissa,
I ran a search on the WhaleNet website, and there were several hits for
intelligence within the archives for A.S.K. Have you had a chance to search
the entire WhaleNet website to see if your question had been answered
before?
The question of intelligence is difficult, since people compare animal
intelligence to that of humans (and human intelligence has to sometimes be
questioned!).
You have to consider that humans and dolphins live in two different
environments - land vs water.
Many people base intelligence on the ability to use and comprehend language
(syntax and semantics), learning skills, and behavior (such as complex
social organization). Dolphins appear to be adept at all of those.
Many people look at the size and characteristics of the brain of dolphins
and say that makes them intelligent.
Hope this answers your question.
Dagmar
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