Bottlenose Dolphins – Have You Seen These Amazing Aquatic Mammals?

Now, I realize that the likelihood of you having dolphins in your backyard to observe is about as likely as you penguins. But, chances are high that you kids love bottlenose dolphins, thanks to movies like A Dolphin’s Tale. So, why don’t we take a moment to learn about these amazing aquatic mammals!

Bottlenose dolphins are very smart and playful marine mammals. They are often spotted jumping and swimming alongside or behind boats. This is because doing so helps dolphins to conserve energy as they swim through the water. These dolphins have been known to jump as high as 20 feet!

Bottlenose dolphins are carnivores. These animals have sharp teeth that help them to catch and chew up their food. Their diets consist mainly of squid and fish that they catch underwater.

Dolphins are very social creatures. They live together in pods, helping each other hunt for food and raise their young. Bottlenose dolphins can live for up to 40 years.

Dolphins use echolocation to find things in the water. They put out a series of clicks, whistles, and squeaks and then measure how much time it takes for those sounds to bounce back to them. This helps them to locate things in the surrounding water.

Fun Fact – Only half of a dolphin’s brain rests at a time – this is so these creatures don’t drown while they sleep!  

MORE HOMESCHOOL SCIENCE HELPS

• This time last year, we shared about Turkey Tail.
• And don’t miss this Homeschool Science Tip – End your homeschooling week with Friday Fun Day!

RELATED HOMESCHOOL SCIENCE ACTIVITIES

Keep the learning going with these science activities!

• Diving Dolphins – Make a diving dolphin plate with these directions from Lakeshore Learning.

LINKS TO RESEARCH

• Basic Facts About Dolphins
• Fascinating facts about dolphins for kids.
• {Video} All About Dolphins from Nat Geo Kids