The experiment revolved around both dolphins and humans asking each other for props such as balls and scarves. A large underwater keyboard was used for the study; each key was painted with a different symbol and emitted a precisely pitched whistle.
When a dolphin pressed a certain key with her nose, researchers would throw the corresponding prop into the water. Should the dolphin instead decide to whistle the pitch that a certain key would emit, then that prop would be thrown in. Over a period of three years, scientists found that while young males were less interested in interacting with humans, young females enjoyed the game. “This is when the females have a lot of play time, before they are busy being mothers,” said Herzing. The study was published in the Acta Astronautica journal. LONDON : (ANI)
