Dolphins
Kingdom: Anamalia
Characteristics that place it here:
*Multicellular with specialized eukaryotic cells
*They rely on other organisms for nourishment
*Ingets and digest food in an internal cavity
*They have their own means of locomotion
Phylum: Chordata
Characteristics that place it in this category are:
*Have a bilateral symmetry
*Have gills or slits at some point in their lives
*Have a notochord at some point of their life
*Have a head, tail, and a digestive system
Class: Mamalia
Characteristics that place it in this category are:
*Conceive their young with the reproductive tract of the mother
*Nourish young with mothers mammary glands
*Are endothermic (warm blooded)
*Have hair and sweat glands (though they have very few)
*Have a 4 chambered heart
*Have large brains
*Have a complete nervous system
Order: Cetecea
Characteristics that place it in this category are:
*Have a streamlined body shape and paddle shaped front
*No external digits or claws and almost hairless
*Have a thick blubber layer filled with fat and oil
*All have blowholes
*Have reproductive internal organs
Family: Delphinidae
*Sleek and streamlined bodies
*Have curved dorsal fins
*Some have striking color patterns
*Found in all oceans, some seas, and some rivers
Genus: Delphinus
Species: Delphinus Delphis
Dolphins are very smart animals. In fact, they are one of the smartest animals in nature. They live in the oceans, seas, and rivers. They are related to whales. They have smooth, rubbery bodies, and they are very cute!
Dolphins are so adorable,
I find them so interesting and neat,
But the thing I love about them most,
Is how they always act so sweet.
References:
Animal Classification information found at Animal Diversity Web- January 10, 2001:
http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/accounts/delphinus/d._delphis$narrative.html
Picture found January 10, 2001 at:
Background found January 17, 2001 at:
http://www.geocities.com/enchantedforest/cottage/1165/images/full/dolphin.jpg
