Both species share many similar characteristics when it comes to dolphins and porpoises. For instance, both species are marine mammals and belong to the cetacean family. In fact, the cetacean species consists of over 80 different marine mammals and is made up of all species of whale, dolphin, and porpoise.
The cetacean family is categorized into two suborders based on the physical characteristics of various species. These two suborders are known as the toothed whale and baleen whale suborders. All dolphin and porpoise species, along with numerous whale species, belong to the toothed whale suborder as they all possess teeth and are born with a single blowhole.
However, the baleen whale species is made up exclusively of large whales that possess baleen plates with bristles instead of teeth and are born with two blowholes instead of one.
Similarities
When it comes to the similarities between dolphins and porpoises, these marine mammals share several similar characteristics. Because dolphins and porpoises are marine mammals, they both breathe air, are warm-blooded, give birth, and nurse their young with milk. Dolphins and porpoises may also consume some of the same common foods, including fish, squid, and various crustaceans.
Finally, Both ocean animals can use echolocation to help them identify other pod members, communicate and hunt for food.
Differences
When it comes to the differences between the two species, several factors help differentiate dolphins from porpoises. First of all, with around 40 known dolphin species, there is much greater diversity within the dolphin family than the 6 species of known porpoise.
Many dolphins have streamlined bodies, beak-shaped mouths with conical-shaped teeth, and flexible necks for moving their heads and observing their surroundings. Porpoises, on the other hand, have bulbous-shaped heads with spade-shaped teeth that lack a beak and their necks are fused and immobile. Porpoises also have stockier bodies than some dolphin species and an overall smaller dorsal fin.
Dolphins can range greatly in size from 4 ft. all the way up to 30 ft. long, depending on the species. Comparatively, porpoises are generally much smaller than many of the dolphin species and vary in size from around 4 1/2 ft. up to around 6 ft. in length.
Socially dolphins tend to be more vocal and physically active with their behavior than porpoises. Some dolphin species can be observed leaping out of the water, bow riding, and approaching boats. On the other hand, Porpoises are more reserved, quiet, and shy when it comes to boisterous behavior and interacting with humans.
When it comes to lifespan, dolphins also tend to live much longer than porpoises do. In fact, porpoises tend to have a lifespan of around 15 – 20 years, while dolphins can live between 25 – 50 years, depending on their species, habitat, and health.
As far as habitat goes, both dolphins and porpoises can be seen swimming in and around shallow coastal waters; however, larger species of dolphins can also be seen living in deep oceanic waters far from the coastline.
While some dolphins and porpoises consume similar types of food, such as fish, squid, and crustaceans, some dolphin species may consume a wider diversity of prey than porpoises. This is partially due to the dolphin’s wider distribution (as a species, dolphins have more diversity in food choices) and the preferences of certain foods based on a dolphin’s species. In fact, the killer whale (the world’s largest dolphin) is known to consume other marine mammals as part of its diet!
Intelligence
Both species appear to display very high signs of intellect and social capabilities when it comes to intelligence. Various research tests of self-recognition, cognitive capabilities, and learning capacities have identified these marine mammals as some of the most intelligent species in the world.
Due to dolphins’ social nature and boisterous behavior, researchers and trainers tend to spend most of their time hanging out with the dolphin species. Also, dolphins have been taught to perform complex tasks, follow basic instructions and even help track down people lost at sea.
Communication
Both species can also communicate with their pod members using clicks and whistles to inform them about various things such as nearby food or predators, a desire to mate, or several other desires or interests. These clicks and whistles are significant for echolocation, which allows them to keep track of each other, search for prey and navigate their environment.
In terms of interacting with one another, porpoises are a fairly shy species that prefers to be non-social with other cetaceans and likes to keep a low profile. This contrasts with several dolphin species known to be very energetic and enjoy interacting with one another and other species around them.