Researchers have observed a fascinating behaviour in dolphins, where they use open-mouthed expressions while playing.
This behaviour is thought to aid in communication, allowing dolphins to maintain playful interactions without misunderstandings.
Bottlenose dolphins have intrigued scientists due to their playful behaviour and ability to express emotions. In a recent study, researchers observed 22 dolphins in captivity, documenting an open-mouthed expression during play, which they equate to a “smile.” This expression was predominantly seen when dolphins interacted with each other, indicating a potential form of communication to prevent misunderstandings during games.
Conducted at Zoomarine Rome and Planète Sauvage, the study involved observing how dolphins interact with peers and human trainers. The dolphins were often seen “smiling” chiefly when playing with their own kind. This suggests that their “smile” is a communication strategy to maintain harmony during playful activities and mitigate conflicts.
Approximately 92% of these expressions occurred when dolphins were engaged with each other. Such interactions reveal that the expression is less about human interaction and more about dolphin social dynamics.
While the study aligns this “smiling” behaviour with positive communication, experts urge caution. Heather Hill, a dolphin communication expert, advises against equating this expression with human smiles.
Hill points out that dolphins also display open mouths in aggressive and solitary contexts. She recommends interpreting it as a mutual understanding rather than a direct parallel to human smiling.
Dolphins are known for their acrobatic displays, including flips and tail-slapping, often observed in social settings. However, the facial expressions during these activities remain underexplored.
Besides playful behaviour, dolphins exhibit a wide range of interactions. Scientists have compared these to other mammals, such as monkeys, who also use open-mouthed expressions during play.
Beyond facial expressions, dolphins utilise rich vocal sounds, which complement their visual cues in social contexts. The study remarks on the significance of these vocalisations, suggesting future research could focus on these aspects.
Livio Favaro, a zoologist at the University of Turin, highlights the intricacy of dolphin vocal systems. These sounds play a crucial role, particularly during play, enhancing cooperation.
All dolphins observed in the study reside in captivity, which might influence their behaviour. Researchers suggest the open-mouth expression might occur less frequently in the wild due to environmental demands.
Further studies are proposed to investigate wild dolphins, exploring their communication in natural habitats. This could provide broader insights into their behavioural strategies.
The study contributes to understanding the nuances of dolphin interactions, reshaping how these marine mammals communicate through visual signals.
The findings encourage a reevaluation of how human and animal interaction communication is perceived, urging continued exploration into their complex social behaviours.
The study offers new insights into dolphin communication, highlighting their rich social behaviour.
Understanding these interactions will be crucial for future research on marine mammal communication.
