Sing-song Secrets: Dolphin Moms Use Baby Talk to Bond with Their Calves, Study Finds

New research has shown that dolphin mothers use a form of baby talk when communicating with their calves. The study, which was conducted by a team of researchers from the University of Zurich, found that dolphin moms use a higher-pitched, sing-song voice when speaking to their young. The researchers analyzed recordings of dolphin vocalizations in the wild and in captivity. They found that when mothers were communicating with their calves, they used a different pitch and rhythm than when communicating with other dolphins. The dolphin moms also used a unique set of whistles and click sounds that were specific to their relationship with their calves. The researchers believe that this form of communication, known as "motherese," helps dolphin mothers to bond with their offspring and teach them important social and survival skills. The use of higher-pitched sounds and repetitive rhythms may also help to capture the attention of young dolphins, who are still developing their language skills. This research sheds new light on the complex communication systems of dolphins, which are known for their intelligence and social behavior. It also highlights the similarities between dolphin and human communication, as both species use forms of baby talk to communicate with their young.   The findings could have implications for the conservation and welfare of dolphins in captivity, as understanding their communication patterns could help to improve their living conditions and ensure their well-being.