Research proves that: 'Dolphins can call each other by names'

July 30, 2013

Researchers at Scotland’s University of St Andrews have shown that marine mammals develop a unique whistle that they use to identify them and show their location to others. Scientists have found that dolphins call each other by distinctive whistles as humans use names. Every dolphin only responds to the unique whistle related to each of the dolphins.

How did the researchers prove that ‘Dolphins can call each other by names’?

The researchers followed pods of dolphins and recorded individual whistles and played them back. They found the animals would react to their distinctive whistles. With speakers installed underwater they played back either the whistle of a dolphin from the pod, or one from an unfamiliar animal. The results showed that dolphins did not react to the unfamiliar sounds, but individual members responded when they heard their own sound or name and responded by sending that same whistle back.

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