10 Animals That Use Tools Better Than You Do

3. Dolphins: The Underwater Tool Users

Dolphins are celebrated for their intelligence and social complexity, but their use of tools is a lesser-known aspect of their cognitive abilities. In the shallow waters of Shark Bay, Australia, bottlenose dolphins have been observed using marine sponges as protective coverings for their snouts while foraging on the ocean floor. This behavior, known as "sponging," allows dolphins to probe into the sandy seabed without injuring themselves, demonstrating foresight and innovation. Using sponges as tools is a learned behavior passed down from mother to calf, highlighting the cultural transmission of knowledge within dolphin communities. This cultural aspect of tool use is significant, as it suggests that dolphins possess a form of social learning akin to human traditions. The ability to use and teach tool use is a testament to the dolphins' sophisticated cognitive abilities and problem-solving capacity. As we explore the ocean's depths, the dolphins' ingenuity reminds us of the intelligent life beneath the waves, challenging our perceptions of what it means to be a tool user.