Introduction pageI chose dolphins because they are very elegant creatures, although wild dolphins are often dangerous. Dolphins are my favorite creatures in the world and people should respect them more. They are the second most intelligent animal in the world. They care for their young for most of their lives. They also socialize with any creature, unless it shows signs of danger. Dolphins are very popular playmates and will approach humans for almost anything. They depend on each other to live. They learn quickly and communicate well with each other. God designed dolphins with unique physical characteristics and behaviors in order to glorify Him. Physical Characteristics of a Striped Dolphin Striped dolphins, Stenella coeruleoalba, are among the most abundant and best-known dolphins in the world. These dolphins can reach a length of around 9 feet (2.7 m). Males weigh up to 350 pounds (160 kg). Females weigh 330 pounds (150 kg). Striped dolphins have a slender body combined with a long beak separated from their forehead and a curved dorsal fin. The bill, tapered fin, tail and back, or cape, are dark blue/gray. The name “Stenella coeruleoalba” refers to the pattern of blue and white stripes along the lateral and dorsal fins of their bodies. Their belly (ventral) is generally white. Their main characteristic is a black stripe that runs along their length and up to their fins. There is also a dark blue patch around the eyes. Calves and juveniles may have more muted coloring and patterns. Physical Characteristics of a Bottlenose Dolphin A bottlenose dolphin, Tursiops truncate, has a streamlined body. The outer layer of a dolphin's skin (epidermis) is approximately 10 to 20 times thicker than the middle of paper...... legal fishing, entanglement in fishing nets, collisions with boats and/or propellers and marine pollution. The dolphins' subsequent captivity in research and aquarium facilities contributes to their deaths. Works Cited Works Cited: • Jefferson, T. A, MA Webber and RL Pitman. (2008). Marine mammals of the world, a complete guide to their identification. Amsterdam, Elsevier. p. 241-244. • Shirihai, H. and B. Jarrett (2006). Whales, dolphins and other marine mammals of the world. Princeton, Princeton University Press. p.185-188.Websites:• Ocean Biogeographic Information System (OBIS)., nd Web. March 29, 2012. http://seamap.env.duke.edu/species/tsn/180434• International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources, nd Web. March 29, 2012. http://www.iucnredlist.org/apps/redlist/details/20731/0