The first Friday of every month, is a Family Fun Friday where my kids co-host and share a topic my family has found interesting and hopefully yours will too. This week, we're diving into the brilliant and complex world of dolphins, some of the ocean's most intelligent creatures. The largest member of the dolphin family is actually the orca (dolphins are whales in the suborder of odontoceti or toothed whales and the orca is a part of the dolphin family), or killer whale, a powerful apex predator that can be longer than a school bus. Journey back 50 million years to learn how the ancestors of modern dolphins were once wolf-like mammals (Pakicetus) that walked on land before evolving for a life at sea. This evolutionary path led to incredible adaptations, including the ability to sleep with only half of their brain at a time—a process called unihemispheric sleep—which allows them to swim and stay alert for predators even while resting.

The unique bond between dolphins and humans is highlighted through amazing true stories. Hear about Pelorus Jack, a legendary Risso's dolphin who safely guided ships through a treacherous channel in New Zealand for 24 years. Learn about documented accounts of heroic dolphin pods protecting surfers and swimmers from great white sharks by forming a defensive shield. Find out how you can help protect these amazing animals by looking for the "Dolphin-Safe" label when you shop for tuna.

Want to learn about other amazing animals? Check out my Spotify playlist, Fun Facts About Animals

Be sure to listen to my other podcasts Who ARTed: Weekly Art History for All Ages or Art Smart. For family fun, check out my son's podcast Rainbow Puppy Science Lab

Fun Facts Daily is an Airwave Media Podcast. If you are interested in advertising on this or any other Airwave Media show, email: [email protected]

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