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| | |superorder=Preptotheria | | |superorder=Preptotheria |
| | |order=Cetacea | | |order=Cetacea |
| − | |suborder= | + | |suborder=Odontoceti |
| | |infraorder= | | |infraorder= |
| | |superfamily= | | |superfamily= |
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| | |conservation= | | |conservation= |
| | }} | | }} |
| − | '''Dolphins''' are a number of kinds of small odontoceti, or toothed [[whale]]s. Dolphins are [[mammals]] and breath air. | + | '''Dolphins''' (Greek: ''δελφίς, delphís'', "dolphin") are a number of kinds of Cetaceans related to the toothed whales of the suborder Odontoceti, and are found throughout the world's oceans and several major river systems. Although fish-like in appearance, dolphins are [[mammals]] which breath air and suckle their young on milk. |
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| − | The term [[porpoise]], sometimes used [[synonym]]ously with dolphin, in fact should refer only to certain small blunt-snouted and spade-toothed types, generally of inshore habitat, such as the harbour porpoise of the North Atlantic.
| + | ==Description== |
| | + | Dolphins are generally cigar-shaped, with a pair of pectoral fins behind the head, a dorsal fin, and horizontal flukes ate the end of the tail. The head bears a mouth which terminates in a well-defined "beak" in most species and contains many cone-shaped teeth; by contrast porpoises - which are often confused with dolphins - do not have a beak-like snout and contain spade-shaped teeth. |
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| − | In addition to the many types of sea-dwelling dolphin, [[river dolphin]]s are found in certain of the world's great rivers.
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| − | Dolphins mainly feed upon small fish and [[squid]].
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| − | Dolphins typically live in small family groups. They are highly sociable, and if left alone will freely associate with other species of whale, and with humans. Human interaction includes accompanying ships and mingling with swimmers. There have been a number of historic cases of dolphins assisting human fishermen. Dolphins generally avoid [[SCUBA]] divers, as they are repelled the noise made by their regulators.
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| − | Dolphins are commonly found in company with [[tuna]], and are frequently netted with them.
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| − | Dolphins are highly intelligent, and captive dolphins have been trained to perform complex acts at aquariums, and to carry out military minelaying and guard duties.
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| − | Dolphins live in salt water but can survive in fresh water.<ref>http://www.wdcs.org/dan/publishing.nsf/allweb/E8ADCC3DEEE1556E802568F8004DF252</ref>
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| − | The largest species dolphin is the [[orca]] (or "killer whale").
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