Description of the Dolphin Though each species has its own unique morphology, or shape, most members of this group share a similar form. They have elongated, streamlined bodies with one dorsal fin on their backs, two pectoral fins underneath, and a tail, or caudal, fin. Sizes range from about 5 ft.
long to over 30 ft., depending on the species. A dolphin is a common name used for some of the aquatic mammals in the cetacean clade Odontoceti, the toothed whales. Dolphins belong to the families Delphinidae (the oceanic dolphins), along with the river dolphin families Platanistidae (the Indian river dolphins), Iniidae (the New World river dolphins), Pontoporiidae (the brackish dolphins), and probably extinct Lipotidae (baiji or Chinese.
Dolphin, toothed whale of the family Delphinidae (oceanic dolphins) or the families Platanistidae and Iniidae (river dolphins). Learn about dolphins, aquatic mammals that need to breathe air through their blowholes and have large brains. Find out their scientific classification, interesting facts, general description, and more.
The 36 dolphin species share more than a few characteristics. Among them, the aquatic mammals look like they're smiling, and they seem to love to play. The dolphin is a mammal that is also part of the cetacean family.
There are a variety of different types of dolphin, which can be found inhabiting warm ocean waters and rivers around the world. All dolphins can be identified by several physical characteristics. The dolphin also has a number of behavioral characteristics, which help it to survive in its environment.
Learn all about dolphins - are they a mammal, whale, or fish, dolphin types, where they live, life span, diet, endangered status, interesting facts, and more. Learn about dolphins, aquatic mammals related to whales and porpoises, and famous for their intelligence, compassion and joy. Find out their characteristics, behaviour, species and evolution.
Six dolphin species are commonly called whales (think killer whales!), and technically, all dolphins are whales because they're part of the category "toothed whales" in the order Cetacea. Dolphins understand their surroundings through a hearing-based mechanism called echolocation: they emit clicks into the water, and these clicks bounce off surfaces, creating echoes that the dolphin. Learn about dolphins, the intelligent and playful marine mammals that belong to the family Delphinidae.
Find out their classification, physical features, behavior, habitat, diet, and conservation status.