Whales and dolphins lead 'human-like lives' thanks to big brains, says study

The cultural brain hypothesis of human development could also explain cetaceans forming friendships – and even gossipingLife is not so different beneath the ocean waves. Bottlenosedolphins use simple tools, orcas call each other by name, and sperm whales talk in local dialects. Manycetaceans live in tight-knit groups and spend a good deal of time at play.That much scientists know. But in a new study, researchers compiled a list of the rich behaviours spotted in 90 different species of dolphins, whales and porpoises, and found that the bigger the species ’ brain, the more complex – indeed, the more “human-like” – their lives are likely to be.Continue reading...

Source: Guardian Unlimited Science - October 16, 2017 Category: Science Authors: Katharina Kropshofer Tags: Science Cetaceans Whales Dolphins Evolution Biology Marine life Wildlife UK news Animals Source Type: news