Dolphin language

This is so cool. A new study found that dolphins call each other by name, building on research that found they refer to themselves by name, too. When they become separated from a dear friend or loved one, dolphins call for them using a whistle--but each whistle is specific to one particular dolphin.

Dolphins have signature whistles that they use to announce themselves to other dolphins--a "Hello, nice to meet you, I'm Brian." Researchers found out that when separated, a dolphin looking for his friend will copy his friend's signature whistle while looking for him. Apparently they only use each other's names in positive interactions, never in aggressive situations. Cute dolphins. We have so much more to learn about them.

Dolphin rescue

Divers removed a fishing hook and line from a dolphin in Hawaii--the line was wrapped around the dolphins fin, restricting its movement. Awwwwwwwwwww. 

Yahoo news story

Watch the original video here (you might mute it, as the deep sea ocean music is rather intense). 

Can you say propagules?

PROPAGULES! YAY! In mangrove speak, propagules = seeds. Sort of. The point of this trip was to come get propagules to set up a new experiment, and I had to come now because now is when the trees were supposedly fruiting. But I never know what I'm going to find when I come down here, expecting rare plants in remote places to do my bidding. Today was a pleasant surprise though. The trees have TONS of propagules, and there were so many on the ground I didn't even have to pick any questionably-ripe ones off the trees. I planted some for a new experiment and am off to do more tomorrow. And on the boat ride back to the lab, I had two separate dolphin sightings!