Dolphins Have Discovered a Sixth Sense 0 18

Scientists conducted an experiment with bottlenose dolphins Dolly and Donna, residents of the Nuremberg Zoo. As established earlier, bottlenose dolphins have nerve structures called vibrissal crypts located along their snouts. These structures are very similar to the sensory organs of sharks that are capable of perceiving electric fields.

A stand made of iron rods with a red rubber target inside was attached to the inner wall of a water container. In front of the target was a crossbar, and above it was an electrode. The researchers trained the dolphins to place their snouts on the crossbar, touch the target with the tip of their rostrum, and wait for an electric discharge. If the animals felt it, they were to swim away; otherwise, they had to remain still for 12 seconds.

According to the results, both dolphins sensed the electric discharge. Additional experiments demonstrated that the animals are capable of perceiving direct current fields with a voltage of 2.4–5.5 µV per cm with 90% accuracy. Both dolphins could respond to electric impulses. According to the scientists' hypothesis, the ability to detect current aids dolphins in locating and catching prey, as well as helps them navigate using the Earth's electric field.