Whistle Convergence among Allied Male Bottlenose Dolphins (Delphinidae, Tursiops sp.)

摘要: Dolphins are adept at learning new vocalizations (whistles) throughout life, an ability thus far demonstrated in few nonhuman mammals. In dolphins, this is well documented captivity but poorly studied the wild, and little known of its role natural social behavior. This study documents previously unknown phenomenon whistle convergence among habituated free-living male bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops sp.). Over a 4 yr period, three subjects formed alliance, spending most their time together cooperating to herd females. Within individuals, repertoires were more variable than expected based on previous studies, mostly performed with captive became less so during course study. Among distinctiveness individual decreased such that males virtually indistinguishable by end Initially, some types shared. By study, had close all converged one particular shared form which they rarely produced before forming alliance. The results discussed terms implications for prevailing 'signature whistle' hypothesis, as possible mechanisms functional significance males.