Ethology

Ethology is the scientific and objective study of animal behavior, and is a sub-topic of zoology. The focus of ethology is on animal behavior under natural conditions, as opposed to behaviorism, which focuses on behavioral response studies in a laboratory setting.

Because ethology is focused on behavior in the natural conditions of the animal, more emotions tend to be viewed than those in the lab and captivity.

 

Dolphins, for example, after being studied and observed, have been known to show such emotions such as sadness, fear, distress, anger, interest and happiness which would all be primary emotions.

However, dolphins have also been known to show higher levels of intelligence to the point where they can possibly comprehend and even contemplate situations.

If they can understand a situation and then progressively think about that situation, who is to say that dolphins can't express emotions such as love, grief, guilt, shame, and embarrassment?

 

In general, it is easy to conclude that dolphins are sentient beings, meaning they have the ability to feel, perceive, be conscious, have subjective views, have meaningful experiences, and value their life.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rynvewVe21Y  

This is a video of a cat making friends with dolphins. Friendship and companionship takes some thought, and possibly some love towards one another!



 

Another reason dolphins are believed to experience emotions is because emotions make you a more social creature and social creatures form bonds. Dolphins form bonds with other dolphins (pods) and other species, including humans, everyday. Dolphins also partake in activities that bring them joy and pleasure, such as playing!

 



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TMCf7SNUb-Q

 

Here is a link to watch dolphins playing with bubble rings that they themselves make, and you can tell by watching that this isn't just a mindless habit...it is a beautiful game.

 

Dolphins are also considered incredible beings just due to their incredible level of intelligence.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z2o7WCCrbTw

This video demonstrates the dolphin's ability to imitate another dolphin while being blindfolded. Dolphins are actually one of very few animals that will imitate an action.

Another interesting thing about dolphins is that they have the ability to look in a mirror and recognize themselves. After they recognize themselves, they frequently take trips to the mirror to have a look at themselves and when marked on, they turn the mark towards the mirror and question it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WgJl4bONOqc

 



The last point I am going to present in this section is the dolphin's ability to create.

Yes...create.

Whether or not animals can be creative is a topic being studied everywhere by ethologists and behaviorists alike. The link below is a MUST WATCH that proves that dolphins do indeed have the ability to create!

If you fast forward to 20:00 you will reach the dolphin section and the entire section is neat.
However, for the specific section I am talking about, when the dolphins actually create a trick on their own, fast forward to 24:45.
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9_3s4V9FLVA

Resources:
http://www.mnn.com/earth-matters/animals/stories/do-dolphins-mourn-their-dead