The researchers found that dolphins developed some of the same personality traits as humans, even though the two species evolved in different environments.
A study published in the Journal of Comparative Psychology examined 134 male and female callused dolphins from eight regions of the world. The research results found a convergence of certain personality traits of this fish, in particular curiosity and sociability.
The results of the study help scientists understand that some of the personality characteristics of dolphins are similar to those of humans, which develop independently of the surrounding environment.
Although dolphins evolved in a completely different environment from primates, they still have similar properties.
Dr Blake Morton, professor of psychology at the University of Hull (UK) and lead author of the study, said it was the first time that a dolphin’s personality had been studied in this way.
“Dolphins are an excellent animal for this kind of research because, like primates, dolphins are very intelligent and have social characteristics. We understand that if factors like intelligence and sociability contribute to character, dolphins must have the same personality traits as primates, ”Morton explains.
According to Dr. Morton, dolphins, like many primates, have much larger brains than their bodies need for basic bodily functions. This excess brain matter essentially creates their ability to be intelligent, and intelligent species are often very curious.
“Most of the research was done on primates, so we decided to do something different and watch the dolphins. No one has studied the character of dolphins like we did before, ”Morton said.
According to research, although dolphins have been shown to resemble humans, research has not concluded that these traits are the same.
“I don’t want people to misinterpret this and say that humans and dolphins have similar personality traits but just similarities.”
