Dolphin personality study based on ethology and social network theory

This collaborative work based on two studies of two different groups of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) aims to investigate the personality of each dolphin individual as well as interactions within each group. In recent years there has been an increased interest in measuring animal personality. It is argued that personality in animals is expressed through the behaviors they display. This study presents a new method of investigation based on the Five Factor Model and behavioral codings. For a better understanding of the context sociograms and coefficient of associations that shows how personality and interactions among other individuals go together were created. The results revealed that the dolphins display both distinct personality differences as well as similarities in the Five Factors. Knowledge on individual personality and its implications can be helpful in aspects such as management and exchange programs, evolution and genetics and in providing a complementary perspective to explain other behavioral and cognitive studies.