Dolphins flirt with their mates with ... trash

A South American water dolphin uses dry branches, moss and clay to attract mates and threatens opponents.

British and Brazilian researchers have observed male dolphins for three years in the Mamirauna sanctuary of Amazon. They found that the males always carried these objects when the females surrounded, and often threw strong water. This behavior has never been seen in other aquatic animals.

"You see them coming up with sticks and stones, with a very solemn posture," recalls Tony Martin of the University of St Andrews. "Normally, they will slowly rise out of the water in an upright position, in the mouths of all kinds of waste, and then they turn and dive vertically again. In addition, they also throw objects "You can go to the surface to create waves and splashing water, to impress the girls. At the same time, the competition between males is also fierce."

Professor Martin judged that carrying stone and dry wood is an act of only males and that they do so much whenever children appear. Although the males are also very aggressive when they see each other, they do not flatten each other with stones or twigs.

Earlier, scientists also found that the nasal dolphin in Australia carried sponges, either to hunt or to defend themselves against the enemy. But using objects to please the opposite sex is the first time known.

Why is this dolphin growing so this behavior is still unclear. But obviously the performance is a vivid and unique way to please her and threaten the opponent.

Male dolphins suck up garbage from the water.(Photo: BBC)