Dolphins 'have their own names'

Dolphins have the ability to call each other by name - just like humans!

Scientists have found the mammals recognise themselves and other members of their species with special whistles.

Experts think dolphins learn to come up with their own specific whistle when they are a few weeks old - it's one way other dolphins can recognise them.

Up until now, humans were thought to be the only species that actually use names for one another.

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Scientists say it's not unusual for animals to use sounds recognised by whole species, but it is extremely rare for species to use individual 'names' to communicate.

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During the study experts caught a group of wild dolphins and recorded their calls.

Scientists used a computer to copy the calls and then played them back to the dolphins.

Good response

Most of the dolphins responded to the whistles of their relatives, suggesting they can recognise each other's signature whistle.

Dr Vincent Janik, of St Andrews University said: "I think it is a very exciting discovery because it means that these animals have evolved the same abilities as humans.

"Now we know they have labels for each other like we do."