Evidence of social learning mechanisms and teaching behavior of Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis) by mother dolphins foraging in the presence of calves

The present study examined the alteration of benthic foraging behavior by mother Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis) when foraging in the presence of their calves in comparison to the foraging behaviors of the mothers when the calves were not present. The mother dolphins chased prey significantly longer and made significantly more body-orienting movements during foraging in which calves were present. In 5 of the events where the calves were present the prey was not eaten by the mother, but instead the calves were allowed to pursue the prey and were confirmed to have eaten the prey in 3 of the foraging events, even though the calves were still nursing. Additionally, this altered foraging behavior only occurred in the presence of their naive calves. Therefore, the present study may be evidence of teaching as a potential social learning mechanism of foraging behavior by Atlantic spotted dolphins.