Dolphin vs Porpoise
Dolphins and porpoises are both cataceans, i.e. marine mammals, and are closely related to whales.
Dolphins belong to the family Delphinidae and are up to 30 feet long. Porpoises, belonging to family Phocoenidae are smaller, but stouter than dolphins.
Comparison chart
| Improve this chart | Dolphin | Porpoise |
|---|---|---|
| Size: | Dolphin sizes vary from 4 ft to 30 ft. | Porpoises are usually smaller (4.9ft-8.2 ft) but stouter than dolphins. |
| Overview: | Dolphins are marine mammals closely related to whales and porpoises. | Porpoises are smaller marine mammals related to whales and dolphins. |
| Scientific classification (Order & Family): | Dolphins are cetaceans of the family Delphinidae. | Porpoises are small cetaceans of the family Phocoenidae. |
| Dorsal Fin: | Most dolphins have a curved dorsal fin. | A porpoise's dorsal fin is generally triangular. |
| Teeth Structure: | Dolphin teeth are conical. | Porpoises have flattened, spade-shaped teeth. |
| Social Behavior: | Dolphins are very social and tend to show a lesser fear of man than porpoises. | Porpoises are relatively shy, and are therefore rarely seen in marine animal shows. |
| Head: | Dolphins have a round, bulbous "melon" in the head and elongated jaws that often form a distinct beak. | Porpoises have small, rounded heads and blunt jaws instead of beaks. |
| Gestation period: | 11 to 17 months |
Contents |
edit Anatomy
Dolhpins have a bulbous "melon" in the head distinct beak with conical teeth. Their dorsal fin is curved.
Porpoises have small, rounded heads and blunt jaws with flat, spade-shaped teeth. Their dorsal fin is triangular.
edit Social Behavior
Dolphins are social, living in pods of up to a dozen individuals. In places with a high abundance of food, pods can merge temporarily, forming a superpod, which may exceed 1,000 dolphins. They communicate using a variety of clicks, whistles and other vocalizations, and ultrasonic sounds for echolocation. Dolphins can establish strong social bonds. They will stay with injured or ill individuals, even helping them to breathe by bringing them to the surface if needed.
Porpoises are relatively shy and are seen alone or in groups containing a few individuals, but rarely in large pods. These groups are not stable associations, but ephemeral groupings that change as individuals join or leave. Porpoises act in a coordinated fashion even when they are hundreds of feet apart. They are capable of echolocation for finding prey and group coordination, but do not use it to communicate as often as dolphins do.
edit Intelligence
Dolphins and porpoises are highly intelligent. They have large, complex brains and are self-aware like humans. They are among the few species in the world that can identify themselves in a mirror. After years of research, scientists have said that cetaceans (including porpoises, dolphins and whales) should have rights just like humans.[1]
Comments: Dolphin vs Porpoise
Comment anonymouslyAnonymous comments
There are no anonymous comments yet for Dolphin vs. Porpoise.