A surprising insight emerges from research on marine life: dolphins possess a 'sixth sense' that allows them to detect electrical fields. The discovery, the result of the work of researchers at the University of Rostock and Nuremberg Zoo, illuminates hidden aspects of dolphin ecology and suggests that their famous sense of echolocation is only part of a complex sensory "arsenal".
Dolphins and the perception of electric fields
The underwater world is a theater of extraordinary phenomena, and dolphins, with their intelligence and ability, have always aroused particular interest. These highly intelligent mammals are known to use echolocation to navigate and hunt in dark waters, but recent research reveals an even more fascinating ability: sensitivity to electric fields.
Dolly e WOMEN, two bottlenose dolphins housed at Nuremberg Zoo, were at the center of this groundbreaking research. Scientists have found that dolphins can sense extremely weak electric fields, an ability previously observed in only a few other species, such as the platypus. This sensitivity to electric fields is mediated by the so-called 'vibrissal crypts', small openings on the snout of dolphins, traces of hair bulbs (real whiskers that they have at birth, and then fall out). The study was published in Journal of Experimental Biology .
The dolphin foraging technique
Interesting is how this discovery relates to the dolphin foraging technique, known as 'crater feeding'. What is it about? Quickly said. Dolphins often dive to the sandy bottom to capture hidden prey, a strategy thought to be driven primarily by echolocation.
This new understanding of their electrical sensitivity suggests that dolphins could use this ability to detect prey by sensing even weak electrical fields. More and more surprising!
The importance of electroreception
This ability of dolphins to sense electric fields opens new perspectives on their hunting strategies and their interaction with the marine environment. It could also offer insights into their navigation and orientation, in relation to the Earth's magnetic field.
Of course, more research will be needed to fully understand how dolphins use this ability in their natural environment, but this discovery represents a significant step forward in our understanding of marine mammal senses. We will continue to explore the depths of the oceans, revealing the secrets of these fascinating and intelligent creatures. And maybe (in the distant future) we can even talk to each other.
