In 2010, the journal Aquatic Mammals (DOI: 10.1578/AM.36.2.2010.121) reported about interactions between dolphins and whales. Abstract
Was this a case of inter-species play or had one species 'domesticated' the other?
Two Unusual Interactions Between a Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) and a Humpback Whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) in Hawaiian WatersRecently (10 January 2012), the American Museum of Natural History released photos of such an interaction
Mark H. Deakos, Brian K. Branstetter, Lori Mazzuca, Dagmar Fertl, and Joseph R. Mobley, Jr.
When two species share a common habitat, interspecific interactions can take many forms. Understanding the dynamics of these interactions can provide insight into the behavior and ecology of those species involved. Two separate, unusual interactions are described in which a humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) lifted a bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) completely out of the water. Both incidents occurred in Hawaiian waters. Based on reports of object play by hump-back whales, and the apparent initiation and cooperation of each dolphin being lifted, object (i.e., the dolphin) play by the whale and social play by the dolphin seem to be the most plausible explanations for the interaction. Aggressive and epimeletic behavior by the humpback were also considered.
Was this a case of inter-species play or had one species 'domesticated' the other?
2 comments:
Informative blog. Whales and hammerhead sharks are the large sea world animals. Here I observed the interaction between the dolphins and whales. Also I found a video clip on how whales give dolphins a lift. It is very interesting. Thanks for giving such a valuable piece of information.
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