I am curious about a fact I read on http://www.gullible.info/archive.php?m=2006-07, it is under July 20
group. It states that 'Bottlenose dolphin pods will attack, and often kill, members of their group that exhibit pedophiliac tendencies.' I was curious what research this came from. I am surprised because I never heard that affirmation, moreover that kind of comment is very subjective and It is very "human". To study the animals behaviour you have to avoid that kind of human interpretation because the ethology should be objective. I would really like to see this research that is showing this.

Speaking with a marine biologist friend, he sent me the following.

"Sorry but I have no idea from what study or population of bottlenose dolphin has been extracted that affirmations and if they are the result of a scientific work. There is a high variability in social structure and behaviour between populations around the world. It is difficult (or impossible) to distingish "sexual" behaviour from "socio-sexual" behaviour. In our study area, males mount females or other males independet of the age of these dolphins. Socio-sexual behaviour, which is nonconceptive plays an important role to mediate relationships or serve a communicative function in bottlenose dolphins.

Aggresive behaviour or agonistis interactions can be presented but mainly related with dominance relations between individuals. I know that may be I have not answered your questions but I only can suggest to you that dolphins are dolphins and humans are humans, don't mix them !"

Nevermind