Bottlenose dolphins use simple tools, orcas call each other by name, and sperm whales talk in local dialects. 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. The researchers gathered records of dolphins playing with humpback whales, helping fishermen with their catches, and even producing signature whistles for dolphins that are absent – suggesting the animals may even gossip. “There is definitely a danger in comparing other animals to humans, especially with the data available. “As smart as whales are, they will never learn to light a spark.”

Source: The Guardian October 16, 2017 18:00 UTC