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How can you tell a dolphin’s age?

Mar 16, 2011 1 comment By Blair Irvine

 

For most of the dolphins currently in the Sarasota dolphin community, we have observed them from the time they were born to well-known mothers. So, we know when they were born.  For older dolphins of unknown age, we can estimate their age if a tooth can be examined. Like the growth rings in trees, dolphin teeth have annual layers that are counted to estimate the age.

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Blair Irvine

About the author

I manage the SDRP website, serve as President of the Dolphin Biology Research Institute, and otherwise volunteer as needed. I started the SDRP in 1970 with then High School student Randy Wells, and I led the research through the 70’s. Randy took over in the early 80s when I changed careers. Since then, my non-dolphin interests mostly have been in the area of human behavioral health. With NIH support, much of my research has involved Internet interventions and training programs. My graduate degrees are in Zoology (MS), Exercise Physiology (MAPE), and Health Education (PhD).

One Response to “How can you tell a dolphin’s age?”

  1. Kristen Fertitta says:
    November 7, 2011 at 4:06 pm

    Fine write-up. I just cannot agree with everything, but you include some useful opinions.

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