BWB – The signature

Dolphins are among the most intelligent animals in the world, and one of their most fascinating characteristics is their ability to communicate. Researchers have discovered that dolphins develop individualised whistling sounds. This is their personal name. These so-called ‘signature whistles’ allow them to recognise each other and communicate over long distances.

Dolphins develop their signature whistle in the first few months of their lives. It is assumed that these sounds contain a combination of innate and learnt elements. The dolphin uses its own whistle to introduce itself to others and to attract the attention of a particular conspecific.

The communication is bidirectional: when a dolphin hears the signature whistle of another, it often responds with the same sound to show that it is meant. This is comparable to us humans calling out a name. This complex communication ability is clear evidence of the high social intelligence of dolphins. They live in close social groups in which co-operation and communication are essential for survival.

Research on dolphin whistles has shown that they retain memories of the signature whistles of conspecifics for decades. This suggests that dolphins have an exceptional long-term memory. The ability to utilise individual sounds highlights dolphins as unique communicators among animals and shows how highly developed their social and cognitive abilities are.

By Fatima Kutzschbach