In an exclusive revelation, dolphins have joined the ranks of extraordinary mammals possessing a remarkable “seventh sense.” These aquatic creatures, often celebrated for their intelligence, now showcase an additional sensory ability that sets them apart.
Baby dolphins exhibit two delicate rows of whiskers along their snouts, reminiscent of the sensitive whiskers found on seals. However, shortly after birth, these whiskers shed, leaving behind a pattern of small dimples.
Researchers Tim Hüttner and Guido Dehnhardt from the University of Rostock in Germany recently embarked on a fascinating inquiry: Could these dimples serve a more significant purpose than mere scars? The answer lies in their potential to detect faint electric fields.
Upon closer examination, scientists noticed that the remaining dimples in dolphins resemble the specialized structures found in sharks, enabling them to sense electric fields. To put this to the test, dolphins in captivity were subjected to experiments. Remarkably, every single dolphin displayed sensitivity to electric fields in the water.
But just how sensitive are dolphins to these electric cues? The groundbreaking findings, detailed in the Journal of Experimental Biology, shed light on their remarkable electroreceptive abilities.
To explore further, Dehnhardt and Hüttner collaborated with Lorenzo von Fersen from the Nuremberg Zoo and Lars Miersch from the University of Rostock. Their initial experiments involved testing the sensitivity of two thick-beaked dolphins, Donna and Dolly. The goal was to determine if these dolphins could locate a buried fish on the seabed using their newfound electric sense.
The training process was intriguing: Each dolphin learned to rest its jaw on a submerged metal bar. Then, Hüttner, Armin Fritz, and their team taught the dolphins to swim within 5 seconds upon sensing an electric field produced by strategically positioned electrodes just above the dolphin’s snout.
In summary, dolphins have unveiled their electrifying seventh sense, adding yet another layer of fascination to these remarkable marine creatures.
Sources: english.elpais.com; breakingnewsenglish.com; sciencealert.com;
Image Sources: shutterstock.com
