Bottlenose Dolphin

Alexa Kownacki

Latin name: Tursiops truncatus

Common bottlenose dolphins occur as two genetically differentiated ecotypes off of California, a coastal ecotype and an offshore ecotype. They are an important study species and serve as indicators of marine ecosystem health because their range and diet overlaps with human populations. Furthermore, they inhabit an area highly impacted by human use, including many anthropogenic threats such as oil spills, vessel traffic, as well as noise and chemical pollution.


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