Shelling (or conching) is a rare, tool-based foraging strategy observed in bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops sp.). [1] This behavior includes dolphins driving prey into an empty conch shell, and then pouring the shells contents into its mouth. [1] [2]
The behavior have been observed in bottlenose dolphin after a survey on Shark Bay since 2007 by collecting both genetic and behavioral data for more than 1,000 dolphins. [3] Nineteen dolphins have been observed to use the shelling strategy a total of forty-two times. [3] The shelling strategy is rarely observed and may be a new foraging strategy developed by bottlenose dolphins. [1]
Research has shown that the shelling behavior spreads not only via a mother-to-calf bonding, but through peer interaction as well. [4] [5] Dolphins have been shown to primarily use mother-to-calf interaction as a learning mechanism, and peer-to-peer behavioral influence is rarely seen. [4]
Tool use in regards to animal behavior can be defined as objects, nor a part of the animal itself, which are repeatedly manipulated. [6] Tool use has most commonly been observed in land animals, and is rarely seen in aquatic life. [6] This is not necessarily due to a lack of ability, but rather a lack of need. For example, even though dolphins have larger brains compared to primates, and could thus be expected to engage in more tool-use foraging behavior, they have other methods like echolocation for attaining resources. [6] Still, conching is just one example of tool use found in dolphins. [6]
Dolphins are not the only animals who demonstrate peer-to-peer behavior transmission. [4] [7] [8] It can be seen in members of the Hominidae family, which suggests similarities in culture. [4] [9] Research has suggested that these cultural similarities may stem from the comparable life history characteristics, cognitive abilities, and social systems between the great apes and dolphins. [4] Specifically, both great apes and dolphins live in highly social communities, which enables considerable levels of social interaction. [9] These high levels of social interaction have been shown to be important in the transmission of socially learned foraging behavior. [4] [9]