why do dolphins...?
I heard on a program that dolphins have a thin layer of water surrounding their bodies that reduces and almost completely gets rid of any drag, and I was wondering what caused them to always have that layer? What makes it stay with them?
I originally posted this under zoology, but now I realize it probably has more to do with physics.
2006-09-07 11:51:53 · 7 answers · asked by murray b 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
Under what circumstances would wanting to gain more knowledge qualify you as an idiot? If it weren't for that this entire website would not exist.
2006-09-07 12:03:20 · update #1
Dolphins bodies are subject to a drag, however they have very smooth skin and are superb dynamic swimmers.
"The dolphin's fast cruising speed is about 4-6 knots (8 - 12 km/hr). They can reach speeds of up to 9 knots (18 km/hr) while travelling in this fashion. When they move faster, they will start jumping clear of the water (full leaps). They are actually saving energy by jumping. Energetic studies have shown, that the most efficient travelling speed for dolphins is between 3-4 knots (6-8 km/hr). They can attain speeds of up to 30km/hr."
I hope it helps
2006-09-07 12:36:20 · answer #1 · answered by Edward 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That's actually a pretty good question. Dolphins flow through water in a way that seems to defy the way physicists understand passage of an object through a fluid.
Sorry, don't have an answer. I don't think anyone does.
2006-09-07 12:41:55 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
It could be that they have a rough skin, so that only the ridges in the skin sticks out and the pores are water filled.
To cdrfish:
Why don't you go watch the sports channel instead, if you are not interested in science or the world around you.
2006-09-07 12:03:48 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is mucus it also applies to sting rays and some bat rays it is produced by the human equivilent of sweat glands.
2006-09-07 11:54:06 · answer #4 · answered by nasajd 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
i dont know but i wish you would put more info in the question "Why do dolphins" because it doesnt tell the reader very much about what you want to know
2006-09-07 11:54:39 · answer #5 · answered by Joey W 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
well there underwater, so there surrounded by water, so theres a layer of water on there skin......
2006-09-08 07:03:16 · answer #6 · answered by ginger_bread_man 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
i don't reallt know i quess that it is just part of their nature
2006-09-07 11:54:34 · answer #7 · answered by rabbit lover 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋