Why Taking Turns Is Good for Dolphin Skin

Dolphins are sophisticated creatures similar to us in many ways. But until recently, one of their behaviors had scientists scratching their heads.

Hosted by: Stefan Chin

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[xGxPhantomZzz]

Ah yes my Alarm rings in 4 hours, time this to watch science things.

[Master_Therion]

It's important that the scientists established that the dolphins weren't just accidently running into the corals.
They we doing it... on porpoise.

[greenredblue]

"They seem to seek out three types of invertebrates: gorgonian corals, leather corals, and a specific type of sponge, unnamed to protect its identity."

[spencerthompson]

Skin care makes sense, how intelligent they are lining up! Many birds do this to their claws, and beaks so cool!

[DTriniu]

Regarding the “breaking of the coral” in the mouth, perhaps the goal is to injest the substance to assist with digestive or internal issues/health, similar in view to when dogs/cats eat grass. I wonder what effect this anti-bacterial has, for dolphins internally, considering that they are likely to injest a large quantity anyway.

[Dee-jpek]

Awesome to see how Tangents impacts SciShow content

[fuferito]

Antibacterial compounds within a petri dish are very useful to simulate a localized patch of skin for a land organism in a stable environment, but I see little use in them simulating the skin of a dolphin in an environment in constant flux like the underwater ocean.
Sometimes the simplest explanation is the best one.
Bears and elephants scratch identically against trees, and for the same reason.

[Remu]

RIP great barrier reef. Gonna have rich people using coral as exfoliants now. lol

[danielm.]

C'oréal because we're worth it.

[TheClintonio]

I do wonder if it also includes removing parasites. A lot of grooming behaviour in nature is related to parasites. Even for us, to a degree.

[deawinter]

Do you think they think it smells good? I think there was an episode recently on dolphins including personal scents in their name, so we know they can attribute meaning to smells. I wonder if rather than any deeper awareness of the skincare benefits, they’re just spritzing on some body spray after they exfoliate, lmao

[LadyVLR]

When you're underwater, and you still gotta take a bath...

[vasilismarkandonis]

Extraordinary dolphins show us new sources of antibiotics.

But what would be the set up of an experiment examining if they really know what these substances do?

[fancyflautist]

Stefan hosting this makes my Tangents heart happy

[brandon]

I've seen 50 linode ads I still have no clue what they do

[NotSomeJustinWithoutAMoustache]

The first time I saw it I thought they were just using the things to scratch an itch, but doing it only on 3 specific sponges/corals is definitely weird.

[lidar]

Could be as simple as scratching an itch. Could the antibacterial also serve as anesthesia for them?

[nathanandsugar]

I wonder what would happen if humans imitated their behavior as part of the study (in a safe setting, like with lab grown coral). I know that a lot of health nuts would buy overpriced lotion if it was advertised as “dolphin inspired.”

[Indecirphrus]

How did you find such a smug dolphin for the thumbnail?!

[thomasnelson]

I love dolphins, they are my favorite. they're cute, smart, and they totally body sharks.