NCEIV18 0-0716 Flashcards
Lesson 18
Lesson 18 Porpoises
There has long
There has long been a superstition among mariners that porpoises will save drowning men by pushing them to the surface, or protect them from sharks by surrounding them in defensive formation.
Marine Studio b
Marine Studio biologists have pointed out that, however intelligent they may be, it is probably a mistake to credit dolphins with any motive of lifesaving.
On the occasion
On the occasions when they have pushed to shore an unconscious human being they have much more likely done it out of curiosity or for sport, as in riding the bow waves of a ship.
In 1928 some po
In 1928 some porpoises were photographer working like beavers to push ashore a waterlogged mattress.
If, as has been
If, as has been reported, they have protected humans from sharks, it may have been because curiosity attracted them and because the scent of a possible meal attracted the sharks.
Porpoises and s
Porpoises and sharks are natural enemies.
It is possible
It is possible that upon such an occasion a battle ensued, with the sharks being driven away or killed.
Whether it be b
Whether it be bird, fish or beast, the porpoise is intrigued with anything that is alive.
They are consta
They are constantly after the turtles, who peacefully submit to all sorts of indignities.
One young calf
One young calf especially enjoyed raising a turtle to the surface with his snout and then shoving him across the tank like an aquaplane.
Almost any day
Almost any day a young porpoise may be seen trying to turn a 300-pound sea turtle over by sticking his snout under the edge of his shell and pushing up for dear life.
This is not eas
This is not easy, and may require two porpoises working together.
In another game
In another game, as the turtle swims across the oceanarium, the first porpoise swoops down from above and butts his shell with his belly.
This knocks the
This knocks the turtle down several feet.
