Bottlenose Dolphin Essay
The Bottlenose Dolphin is one of the most well-known and iconic species of Dolphins. These marine invertebrates are very well known amongst people. Not only are these creatures interesting and unique, they are also very friendly and kind to humans.
The habitat of these dolphins are temperate and tropical waters, anywhere around the world. Preferred temperatures range from 10 degrees Celsius to 32 degrees Celsius. In the Pacific Ocean you can find the Bottlenose from Japan to Australia, Chile and off of the coast of California. In the Atlantic they are found from Nova Scotia, down to the tip of Africa. In the Indian Ocean they are found from Indonesia to South Africa. If you look at these ranges on a map, the dolphin lives in a large portion …show more content…
For example, a dolphin that occupies a coastal range closer to a shoreline, has a body that is generally smaller than open ocean dolphins and has more maneuverability. This coastal body type is found in dolphins that occupy estuaries, harbors and bays. Dolphins found in deeper water, closer to open ocean have different adaptations that are suitable for that habitat. These include a larger body type, which helps defend against the larger predators it may encounter in the open ocean, such as whales, sharks and other large invertebrates. Also, adaptations include blood that is slightly different than dolphins found in shallower water makes deep diving easier.
Migration behaviors of the bottlenose include seasonal migrations and movements relying on changes in food supply and water temperature. The most significant movements are found in Bottlenose Dolphins located primarily at a higher latitude. These dolphins tend to migrate towards the South during the winter months. This migration is due to their attraction to warmer temperatures. Many dolphins do not migrate far, instead they stay within a “home-range,” and within that area they complete their daily routines. Daily routines include activities such as; hunting, mating (seasonally), playing and constant
The habitat of these dolphins are temperate and tropical waters, anywhere around the world. Preferred temperatures range from 10 degrees Celsius to 32 degrees Celsius. In the Pacific Ocean you can find the Bottlenose from Japan to Australia, Chile and off of the coast of California. In the Atlantic they are found from Nova Scotia, down to the tip of Africa. In the Indian Ocean they are found from Indonesia to South Africa. If you look at these ranges on a map, the dolphin lives in a large portion …show more content…
For example, a dolphin that occupies a coastal range closer to a shoreline, has a body that is generally smaller than open ocean dolphins and has more maneuverability. This coastal body type is found in dolphins that occupy estuaries, harbors and bays. Dolphins found in deeper water, closer to open ocean have different adaptations that are suitable for that habitat. These include a larger body type, which helps defend against the larger predators it may encounter in the open ocean, such as whales, sharks and other large invertebrates. Also, adaptations include blood that is slightly different than dolphins found in shallower water makes deep diving easier.
Migration behaviors of the bottlenose include seasonal migrations and movements relying on changes in food supply and water temperature. The most significant movements are found in Bottlenose Dolphins located primarily at a higher latitude. These dolphins tend to migrate towards the South during the winter months. This migration is due to their attraction to warmer temperatures. Many dolphins do not migrate far, instead they stay within a “home-range,” and within that area they complete their daily routines. Daily routines include activities such as; hunting, mating (seasonally), playing and constant