Dolphins are a group of aquatic mammals that belong to the family of Delphinidae. They are found in oceans and brackish waters near rivers, with some species inhabiting freshwater rivers. Dolphins are known for their social behavior, hunting in groups, and feeding on fish and squid.

The family Delphinidae evolved from the Miocene about 10 million years ago and is the largest family of cetaceans, with 17 genera and nearly 40 species.

Other members of this family include pilot whales, killer whales, and black cetaceans. Dolphins have sleek, hairless bodies, good memory, and high intelligence, making them one of the most intelligent animal families. They have complex brain sulcus and can learn many movements with human training.

Dolphins have a brain-to-body weight ratio higher than great apes but lower than humans. They have a complex neocortex, responsible for problem-solving, self-awareness, and other functions, and are capable of emotions, social cognition, and understanding complex human gestures.

Dolphins can recognize themselves in mirrors and have learning processes similar to human toddlers.

Sharks are often seen as cold-blooded killers, but what happens when they encounter dolphins? While large sharks may prey on young or weakened dolphins, dolphins often hunt in groups and can come to the aid of a weaker member. Additionally, killer whales, the largest dolphins, can attack and hunt sharks.

Dolphins are a symbol of love and are considered the guardians of love. In modern times, couples often give each other dolphins as a symbol of their love. In Greek mythology, dolphins are the embodiment of free-spirited individuals who have jumped into the sea and become dolphins, symbolizing wisdom, friendship, and pure love.

Dolphins are also known for their playful behavior, often seen jumping and diving in the water. They are highly social animals and live in pods, sometimes numbering in the hundreds. They communicate with each other through a variety of sounds, including whistles, clicks, and body language.

Dolphins have a unique way of hunting, using echolocation to locate their prey. They emit high-pitched sounds that bounce off objects in the water and return to the dolphin, allowing them to determine the location and size of the prey. This hunting technique is so effective that dolphins are able to catch fish in complete darkness.

Despite their playful and friendly demeanor, dolphins can be dangerous to humans, particularly when they feel threatened. However, in general, dolphins are not aggressive towards humans and have been known to help humans in distress, such as by guiding lost swimmers back to shore.

Dolphins have been the subject of scientific research for many years, providing valuable insights into their behavior, anatomy, and intelligence. This research has led to a better understanding of dolphins and their place in the ecosystem.

Unfortunately, many species of dolphins are facing threats from human activities, such as overfishing, pollution, and climate change. These activities are reducing the number of dolphins in the wild and putting their future at risk.

Conservation efforts are underway to protect dolphins and their habitats, but much more needs to be done to ensure their survival.