Spontaneous pointing by bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) (original) (raw)

Abstract.

Two bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) participating in a symbolic communication project spontaneously developed behaviors that resembled pointing and gaze alternation. The dolphins' behavior demonstrated several features reminiscent of referential communicative behavior. It was triadic, involving a signaler, receiver, and referent. It was also indicative, specifying a focus of attention. The dolphins' points were distinct from the act of attending to or acting on objects. Spontaneous dolphin pointing was influenced by the presence of a potential receiver, and the distance between that receiver and the dolphin. These findings suggest that dolphins are capable of producing referential gestures.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center, Code D352, CA 92152-5001, 53560 Hull Street, San Diego, USA
    Mark J. Xitco
  2. The Living Seas, Epcot, Florida, USA
    John D. Gory
  3. Department of Psychology, University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, Mississippi, USA
    Stan A. Kuczaj

Authors

  1. Mark J. Xitco
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  2. John D. Gory
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  3. Stan A. Kuczaj
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Accepted after revision: 14 August 2001

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Xitco, M.J., Gory, J.D. & Kuczaj, S.A. Spontaneous pointing by bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus).Anim.Cogn. 4, 115–123 (2001). https://doi.org/10.1007/s100710100107

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