Dolphins' happy demeanor hides cruel, cliquish hearts

Dolphins are just like those mean kids at school with their snobby little exclusive clubs, say scientists. Researchers from Georgetown University observed wild bottlenose dolphins and found they formed cliques over decades based on their skills. The dolphins shared knowledge, such as using a sponge to protect their beaks while hunting, only with dolphins in their own circle and passed it down the family line. The scientists wondered why all the dolphins didn't know about the sponge trick and found those in the know kept it to themselves, with the "spongers" sticking together and being more "cliquish." While other animals have their own in-groups, the dolphins' bitchiness was notable because it was "socially-learned behavior," just like us. [Source]