Dolphins WHISTLE to each other as part of male bonding ritual

Dolphins whistle to each other as part of a male bonding ritual and rely on 'wingmen' to vie for the affection of potential mates, new research has found. Dolphins whistle to each other as part of a male bonding ritual and rely on 'wingmen' to vie for the affection of potential mates, new research has found The Bristol study found that male dolphins are able to stay popular by using high-pitched vocal exchanges with other males as a low-cost way to maintain their alliances How do dolphins use 'signature whistles'? Scientists used nine years of acoustic and behavioural data from a dolphin population in Shark Bay, Western Australia, which helped them assess how male dolphins bonded with each other. Scientists used nine years of acoustic and behavioural data from a dolphin population in Shark Bay, Western Australia, which helped them assess how male dolphins bonded with each other Male dolphins in Shark Bay, Western Australia live in complex social groups in which they form long-lasting bonds to cooperate with other males It backs British anthropologist Professor Robin Dunbar's theory that vocalisations and language evolved to replace grooming. Male dolphins in Shark Bay, Western Australia live in complex social groups in which they form long-lasting bonds to cooperate with other males.