The+dolphins-intelligent+animals-Mikulicsan+Mariana


 * Dolphins** are marine mammals that are closely related to [|whales] and [|porpoises]. There are almost forty species of dolphin in seventeen [|genera]. They vary in size from 1.2 [|metres] (4 [|ft]) and 40 [|kilograms] (88 [|lb]) ([|Maui's Dolphin]), up to 9.5 m (30 ft) and ten [|tonnes] (the [|Orca] or Killer Whale). They are found worldwide, mostly in the shallower seas of the [|continental shelves], and are carnivores, mostly eating [|fish] and [|squid]. The [|family] [|Delphinidae] is the largest in the Cetacea, and relatively recent: dolphins evolved about ten million years ago, during the [|Miocene]. Dolphins are considered to be amongst the most intelligent of animals and their often friendly appearance and seemingly playful attitude have made them popular in [|human culture].