Dolphins in the Costal Florida and Bahamas Region

This topic submitted by Meghan Ruppel ( ruppelme@muohio.edu) at 11:54 AM on 4/9/08.

--Check Out Episode 1 of Star Wars!! And another quicktime movie of Darth Vader when he was seriously disturbed! Of course, things wouldn't be complete without Jabba!

Tropical Field Courses -Interdisciplinary Studies-Miami University



While in Florida over Spring Break, I spotted a couple dolphins off the coast at the beach one day. I wondered what type of dolphins I might see on this trip, and as such, I decided that I would like to research the types of dolphins native to the areas in which we will be studying. I plan on teaching the class all I can find on dolphins!


I. Types of dolphins native to coastal Florida/Bahamas
A. Atlantic Spotted Dolphin
B. Bottlenose Dolphin
C. Risso's Dolphin
D. Pantropical Spotted Dolphin
E. Striped Dolphin

II. Evolution and anatomy
A. Evolution
B. Anatomy
1. Physical characteristics of each type
2. Cognition and brain functions
C. Senses
1. Communication
2. Vocalizations

III. Behavior
A. Social
1. Interaction with other dolphins
2. Interaction with humans
a. Mythology and literature
b. Popular culture
c. Rescue, rehabilitation and therapy
d. Military
e. "Swimming with dolphins" attractions
3. Playing (jumping, etc.)
4. Reproduction and sexuality
B. Personal
1. Sleep
2. Diet

IV. Threats and conservation
A. Natural Predators
B. Human threats
C. Conservation efforts


My resources so far include:

Carwardine, Mark. "Whales and Dolphins", Collins Wild Guide Series. Collins Publishing, 2006.


Davies, Nicola. "Dolphin: habitats, life cycles, food chains, threats", Natural World Series. Raintree Steck-Vaughn publishers, 2000.

Harris, Caroline. "Whales and Dolphins", KFYK Series. Kingfisher Publishers, 2005.

Walker, Sally M. "Dolphins", Nature Watch Series. Lerner Publishers, 2008.

Wilson, Ben and Angus. "The complete whale-watching handbook: a guide to whales, dolphins, and porpoises of the world." Voyageur Press, 2006.

For Further Info on this Topic, Check out this WWW Site: http://www.everythingdolphins.com/SpeciesPG.htm.
Next Article
Previous Article
Return to Topic Menu

Here is a list of responses that have been posted to your discussion topic...

Important: Press the Browser Reload button to view the latest contribution.

If you would like to post a response to this topic, fill out this form completely...

Response Title:
Author(s):

E-Mail:
Optional: For Further Info on this Topic, Check out this WWW Site:
Response Text:


DOWNLOAD the Paper Posting HTML Formating HELP SHEET!

We also have a GUIDE for depositing articles, images, data, etc in your research folders.

Article complete. Click HERE to return to the Pre-Course Presentation Outline and Paper Posting Menu. Or, you can return to the course syllabus

  • Tropical Marine Ecology of the Bahamas and Florida Keys
  • Tropical Ecosystems of Costa Rica
    • Site NAVIGATION--Table of Contents

    Listen to a "Voice Navigation" Intro! (Quicktime or MP3)

    Google
    Search WWW WITHIN-SITE Keyword Search!!

    WEATHER & EARTH SCIENCE RESOURCES

    TROPICAL ECOSYSTEM FIELD COURSES

    Hays' Tarantula Page| Ohio Bird Photo Collection | Tropical Bird Collection | Costa Rica Image Collection | Hays' Marine Ecology Images and Movies |Local Watershed Fish Studies| Wildflowers, Arthropods, ETC in SW Ohio | Earth Science Resources | Astronomy Links | Global Change | Marine Ecology "Creature Study Guide" |

    OTHER ACADEMIC COURSES, STUDENT RESEARCH, OTHER STUFF

    | Educational Philosophy | Discovery Labs: Moon, Geologic Time, Sun, Taxonomy, Frisbee | Project Dragonfly | Vita |Field Course Postings | Student Research Postings | Nature/Science Autobiography | Environmental Programs at Miami University

    TEACHING TOOLS & OTHER STUFF

    Daily Necessities: Macintosh Resources |Search Engines | Library Resources|Server Stats| Family Album | View My Schedule | View Guestbook | Western College "Multimedia Potpourri"

    It is 1:24:47 AM on Monday, May 12, 2008. Last Update: Tuesday, May 6, 2008