Behavioral concept could vary with the target species and the sampling method. On cetaceans, this concept is complex and dynamic. Cetaceans spend more than 90% of the time underwater, which limits behavioral research.
There are two important concepts in behavior: Events and States. An event is an instantaneous activity showed at the surface. A stage is a sequence of events within a time period that determines a behavior.
Behavioral categories could vary depending on the species. A same activity may not mean the same in different situations, and factor such as the species, age, sex or environmental context are important.
Some of the behavioral categories included in odontocetes' research are:
When the animals are feeding they swim with drastic changes on movements. They also dive simultaneously during long periods of time, exposing their fluke before a deep dive, and change the group formation. They can catch fishes on the surface doing quick chases. Dolphins usually follow and corral school of fishes like sardines, this is called cooperative feeding.
Social and sexual behavior
They show several interactive events like body contact, aerial behavior, jumps, etc. The family group can be split in small sub-groups in an extended area, and dive duration may vary. During sexual behavior is common to see body contact among animals, the group swim together for long periods on the surface. Usual events are: jumps, spy hopping, aerial behavior and exposure of genital organs like penis.
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Travelling behavior
The group swims in the same direction, short and constant dives, speed and distances among individuals can vary. During a fast travel, short jumps or “porpoising” is usually seen.
Resting behavior
The group travel in a slow way with constant speed, short and synchronized dives. Individuals stay very close to each other. Do not disturb groups when they are resting.
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