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Asked by hannahhorrocks to Charlotte, Jo, Kevin, Louise, Valeria on 17 Jun 2012. This question was also asked by amy98.
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Joanna Cruden answered on 17 Jun 2012:
I have looked this up for you and borrowed it fro this website;
http://www.thewesternisles.co.uk/differencedolphinporpoise.htm
A dolphin usually has a pointed snout (beak)
The leading edge of the fin on a dolphin’s back is shaped like a curling wave (Called the dorsal fin)Dolphins have pointed cone-shaped teeth
Dolphins grow up to 12 feet long
Dolphins are longer and sleeker in shapeDolphins produce sounds we can hear (and are talkative!)
Dolphins have much less fear of humans – will ride the waves alongside boats
Dolphins live in large groups and live for about 50 yearswhereas porpoises…
A porpoise snout is short and blunt like a cartoon fish sketch (never strongly pointed)
The leading edge of a porpoise’s back fin is straight. The porpoise’s fin is also triangular like a shark’s
Porpoise teeth are flat, spade shaped, with upper edges that are long and sharpPorpoises are usually less than 7 feet long and more compact, they make sounds we cannot hear. Porpoises are shy – you are much less likely to see one – wild or captive. Rarely seen at surface unless up to breathe. They live i small pods of 2 – 4 and only live for about 15 years
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Valeria Senigaglia answered on 18 Jun 2012:
Joanna gave a good answer.
Dolphins and porpoises are both marine mammals and with whales they form the cetaceans. The main difference is the teeth shape.
I am not convinced about the fact that porpoises live in smaller pod, sometimes you can seen many of them. They are considered more shy and less aerial although recent studies conducted in San Francisco are proving this wrong.
Porpoises also seem more sensitive to loud noise so they are more at risk because of offshore wind turbines.
Comments
hannahhorrocks commented on :
thankyou:)