The bottlenose dolphin, known for its intelligence and sociable nature, communicates through a variety of whistles and clicks. A recent study conducted by evolutionary biologist Elisabetta Palagi and her team from the University of Pisa revealed that dolphins exhibit a gesture similar to a human smile during playful interactions, showcasing their non-verbal expression skills.
The researchers analyzed 1,288 expressions made by captive dolphins in controlled environments and found that in over 30% of cases, there was a response to the dolphins’ open-mouth display. The study, published in the journal iScience, highlighted rapid facial mimicry in dolphins, suggesting complex communication abilities during social play.
While experts like Bruno Díaz and Carmen Arija caution against generalizing dolphin facial expressions, they acknowledge the importance of studying visual communication in these marine mammals. The study emphasizes the value of observing dolphins in captive settings to understand their behavior and interactions more closely.
Future research may explore acoustic signals and tactile interactions among dolphins during play, shedding light on the comprehensive communication methods used by these charismatic marine species.
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