Dolphins Use a Echolocation System to Collect Information

Dolphins have a system called sonar or echolocation that enables them to explore their environment to find food and locate objects. They can tell many things about an object with the echolocation system such as size, shape, speed and distance. Even the direction of an object can be determined. Vibrations and the level of energy are information the dolphin may receive. Echolocation also tells a dolphin what the difference is between objects by only 10 percent in volume or surface area.

Dolphins depend on sound production to see with their ears by listening to echos and analyzing the information with their brain. It is said that a dolphin can see a complete three-dimensional landscape using an echolocation scan. High and low frequency sounds come from their forehead or melon. The melon is an oily fat filled lump or organ that acts like a lens for sound waves. The sound is induced in the form of clicks or short sonar pulses. When the melon releases clicks, they are focused into a beam. The echoes are reflected off an object and revert back to the dolphin. If the object is far away the low frequency sounds are usually used by dolphins since low frequency sounds travel further. It is first received by a fat filled cavity in the lower jaws which acts as a rector for sound. After the echoes enter through parts of the lower jaw, they travel by lipid fat channels to the middle ear which is also a great sound conductor. The echos are then conveyed to the brain. The dolphins will know all the characteristics of the echo.

They use sounds such as whistling, clicking, trills, grunts, chirps, yaps and squeaks. Dolphins can make sounds according to their situation such as danger sounds, food sounds and seeking sounds. These sounds are made by sphincter muscles that are located in the blow hole. Dolphins are said to have their own particular whistle to identify themselves with. Up to twenty-five different whistles can be produced by a dolphin.