Dolphins By Savannah Murphy

Basic Facts Dolphins are intelligent marine mammals that are part of the family of toothed whales that includes orcas and pilot whales. Dolphins are found worldwide, mostly in shallow seas of the continental shelves. They are carnivores, mostly eating fish and squid. Dolphin coloration varies, but they are generally gray in color with darker backs than the rest of their bodies.

Pods Dolphins swim in groups known as pods. These pods are in all different sizes, but most are between 2 to 30 dolphins. Smaller dolphin species swim in larger groups than larger animals do. Since young dolphins grow slowly, pods provide protection for the young, as well as strength in numbers to protect the animals from sharks and other predators.

Diet Fish (including mullet, mackerel, herring, and cod) Squid Crustaceans

Their Behavior Dolphins show aggression by emitting bubble clouds from their blowholes

How they Take Care of their Young Mother and calf bonds are long lasting A calf typically stays with its mother for three to six years

Fun Facts The Killer Whale is actually a type of dolphin. Dolphins breathe out of their blowholes