Dolphins have been identified as having a sixth sense

Scientists have carried out an experiment with afalines Dolly and Donna, residents of the Nuremberg Zoo. As it has been found before, afalines have nervous structures called vibrissal crypts, which are located along their muzzles. These structures are very similar to shark organs capable of sensing electric fields.

A rack of iron rods with a red rubber target inside was attached to the inner wall of the water tank. In front of the target was a bar, and above that – the electrode. The researchers taught afalines to rest their muzzle on the bar, touch the target with the tip of the rostrum and wait for the electric discharge. If the animals felt it, they had to swim away, otherwise they had to remain motionless for 12 s.