Dolphins & Porpoises

Dolphins and porpoises are toothed aquatic mammals that breathe air and use echolocation to find prey and navigate. Dolphins commonly have pointed teeth, while porpoises have flattened, spade-shaped teeth. Both groups include social animals, but body form, behavior and habitat vary by species. Many dolphins have a noticeable beak, although some do not. Porpoises generally have compact bodies and short snouts. These common distinctions help identify the groups, while individual species occupy habitats ranging from coastal seas to open ocean and some river systems.