Dolphins
Running head: EVOLVING DOLPHINS
The Evolution of Dolphins
JD
Biology 101
January 16, 2011
Professor:
Abstract
Dolphins are a fun and playful species. They have evolved to be well suited for their aquatic environments. Over many years these animals have gone from land dwellers to deep-sea divers. These amazing creatures are considered one of the top predators in the marine ecology system.
The Evolution of Dolphins
Imagine you are at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom swimming with the dolphins. The trainers explain that all these dolphins have been bread in captivity, and to not try this in the wild, because these dolphins have been properly tamed to work along side humans. This essay will explain some features of how dolphins evolved physiologically to become better suited to their environment.
How the Dolphin has adapted to its current environment The most common misconception is that dolphins are fish, but they aren’t, they are actually mammal’s called cetaceans. Dolphins are warm-blooded and breath air into their lungs. They also give birth to live young and nurse them. “Inside their pectoral fins, dolphins have a skeletal structure similar to a human arm and hand. They have a humerus, complete with a ball and socket joint. They have a radius and ulna, as well as a complete hand structure, including five phalanges, or finger bones. This is one of the many internal physiological structures leading scientists to believe that dolphins and whales evolved from a terrestrial ancestor”. (Dolphin research center) Dolphins are possible descendants from Mesonychidsize, which is about the size of a small dog to a large bear. These creatures started to frequent shallow waters looking for food and safety from land predators. Another theory is that dolphins are descendants from the Basilosaurus, the largest known advanced Achaeocete, (family of archaic whale). Their skeleton has been found as far south as Antarctica showing its successful adaptation to
The Evolution of Dolphins
JD
Biology 101
January 16, 2011
Professor:
Abstract
Dolphins are a fun and playful species. They have evolved to be well suited for their aquatic environments. Over many years these animals have gone from land dwellers to deep-sea divers. These amazing creatures are considered one of the top predators in the marine ecology system.
The Evolution of Dolphins
Imagine you are at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom swimming with the dolphins. The trainers explain that all these dolphins have been bread in captivity, and to not try this in the wild, because these dolphins have been properly tamed to work along side humans. This essay will explain some features of how dolphins evolved physiologically to become better suited to their environment.
How the Dolphin has adapted to its current environment The most common misconception is that dolphins are fish, but they aren’t, they are actually mammal’s called cetaceans. Dolphins are warm-blooded and breath air into their lungs. They also give birth to live young and nurse them. “Inside their pectoral fins, dolphins have a skeletal structure similar to a human arm and hand. They have a humerus, complete with a ball and socket joint. They have a radius and ulna, as well as a complete hand structure, including five phalanges, or finger bones. This is one of the many internal physiological structures leading scientists to believe that dolphins and whales evolved from a terrestrial ancestor”. (Dolphin research center) Dolphins are possible descendants from Mesonychidsize, which is about the size of a small dog to a large bear. These creatures started to frequent shallow waters looking for food and safety from land predators. Another theory is that dolphins are descendants from the Basilosaurus, the largest known advanced Achaeocete, (family of archaic whale). Their skeleton has been found as far south as Antarctica showing its successful adaptation to
References: Simon, E. J., Reece, J. B., & Dickey, J. L. (2010). Essential biology with physiology. (3rd ed.). San Francisco, CA: Pearson/Benjamin Cummings. The Dolphin research center (2013). www.dolphins.org Grassy Keys, Fl Six Flags Discovery Kingdom (2013) https://www2.sixflags.com. Vallejo, CA Animal Welfare Institute (2014) https://awionline.org Washington, D.C.