Dolphins learn their teammates’ names

Male dolphins learn the signature whistles — unique ‘names’ given to dolphins by their mothers — of each member of their extensive, lifelong network of allies. The finding suggests that the cetaceans have a concept of team membership — a first in the animal kingdom. Scientists used underwater sound systems and drones to observe how dolphins responded to each other’s hails. The animals were quickest to heed the call of pals who had helped them in the past.