Dolphins are considered one of the smartest animals on the planet, often ranked as the second most intelligent after humans. They have a high brain-to- body weight ratio, exhibit complex problem-solving abilities, and show self- awareness, such as recognizing themselves in mirrors. Dolphins demonstrate advanced social intelligence, including the ability to feel emotions like grief, pain, and joy, and they have individual personalities. They also use tools, such as attaching sponges to their snouts to forage for food, and they pass down learned behaviors culturally within pods. Their communication skills are sophisticated, involving echolocation and unique signature whistles that function like names. Overall, dolphins possess remarkable intelligence that parallels traits seen in primates and other highly intelligent animals.
