Few non-human species can equal intellectual capacity Dolphinswhich has long been famous for its mental abilities. Whether the latest research on these creatures supports or undermines this reputation depends largely on how you feel about drinking urine.
New study published in Advancement of science It has been proven that common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncates) Using urine samples to identify friends from strangers. The researchers, from the University of St Andrews in Scotland, came to this conclusion after observing dolphins swimming through urine columns. Waste left by familiar dolphins seems to get more attention than urine left by strangers. The curiosity of urine coupled with known dolphin communications – such as whistling – seems to indicate that dolphins can recognize their mates by their bladder contents.
Dolphins have been observed at interaction facilities in Bermuda and Hawaii, where the animals live in seawater lagoons. The researchers used urine samples from the dolphins’ known pod partners as well as urine from other dolphins to see if captive dolphins would react differently. The ‘buddy’s’ urine was tested by dolphins for three times longer than the alternative.
Dolphins were also more interested in urine when it was paired with recordings of the whistles of familiar dolphins they had spent time with. Urine can be explored Helps Dolphins recognize friendly passengers as well as potential competitors, even if they do not use vocal signals.
What exactly dolphins detect in the urine of their favorite company is not yet clear, although it is likely the protein or lipid (fat) content of the waste. (It’s not a smell: dolphins have little olfactory abilities.) More research into dolphins’ urine preferences will be needed.
(free National Geographic)
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