Dolphins aren't deep thinkers

August 21, 2006 Article from: Herald Sun

DOLPHINS may have big brains but rats and even goldfish can outwit them, according to a researcher.

Neuroethologist Paul Manger of Johannesburg says the big brains of dolphins and whales are a function of being warm-blooded in a cold water environment, and not a sign of intelligence.

"We equate our big brain with intelligence," Prof Manger said.

"Over the years we have looked at these kinds of things and said dolphins must be intelligent.

"When you look at the structure of the dolphin brain you see it is not built for complex information processing."

Prof Manger's views are sure to cause a stir among people who have associated dolphins with intelligence, emotion and other human-like qualities.

They are widely regarded as one of the smartest mammals, but Prof Manger says the reality is vastly different.

Brains, he says, are made of neurons and glia.

Producing heat is one of glia's functions.

"Dolphins have a superabundance of glia and very few neurons," Prof Manger said.

"The dolphin's brain is not made for information processing, it is designed to counter the thermal challenges of being a mammal in water.

"You put an animal in a box, even a lab rat or gerbil, and the first thing it wants to do is climb out.

"If you don't put a lid on top of the bowl, a goldfish will eventually jump out.

"But a dolphin will never do that."

Hmmmm so according to the logic here...a goldfish that jumps out of the water, killin itself is smarter than a dolphin who chooses to stay in the water where it's safe and alive?????? Personally I still think dolphins are one smart mammal...they sure got those scientists fooled!!!