Introductory page I chose dolphins because they are very elegant creatures, even if wild dolphins are often dangerous. Dolphins are my favorite creatures in the world and people should respect them more. They are the second most intelligent animal in the world. They feed their young for most of their lives. They also socialize with any creature unless they show signs of danger. Dolphins are very popular playmates and approach humans for almost everything. They rely on each other to live. They learn quickly and communicate well with each other. God designed dolphins with unique physical characteristics and behaviors to glorify Him. Physical characteristics of a striped dolphinThe white dolphin, Stenella coeruleoalba, is among the most abundant and well-known dolphins in the world. These dolphins can reach a length of about 9 feet (2.7 m). Males weigh up to 350 pounds (160 kg). Females weigh 330 pounds (150 kg). Striped dolphins have a slender body combined with a long beak separated from the forehead and a curved dorsal fin. The beak, tapered fin, tail and back, or mantle, are dark blue/grey. The name “Stenella coeruleoalba” refers to the pattern of blue and white stripes along the lateral and dorsal fins of their body. Their belly (ventral) is usually white. Their main feature is a black stripe that runs along their entire length and up to the fins. There is also a dark blue patch around the eyes. Calves and juveniles may have more subtle coloration and patterns. Physical Characteristics of a Bottlenose Dolphin A bottlenose dolphin, Tursiops truncates, has a streamlined body. The outer layer of a dolphin's skin (epidermis) is 10 to 20 times thicker than… half of the paper… legal fishing, capture in fishing nets, collisions with boats and/or propellers, and marine pollution . The subsequent captivity of dolphins in research facilities and aquariums contributes to their deaths. Works Cited Works Cited Books: • Jefferson, T. A, M.A. Webber, and R.L. Pitman. (2008). Marine mammals of the world, a complete guide to their identification. Amsterdam, Elsevier. P. 241-244.• Shirihai, H. and B. Jarrett (2006). Whales, dolphins and other marine mammals of the world. Princeton, Princeton University Press. p.185-188. Websites:• The Ocean Biogeographical Information System (OBIS)., nd Web. 29 March 2012. http://seamap.env.duke.edu/species/tsn/180434• International Union for Nature and Natural Resources Conservation, nd Web. March 29, 2012. http://www.iucnredlist.org/apps/redlist/details/20731/0