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.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
Accepted after revision: 14 August 2001
Electronic Publication
Electronic Supplementary Material
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
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
Received:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s100710100107