Dynamics of development of locomotion of the bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus ponticus baravash, 1940) in early ontogenesis

Locomotion in early ontogenesis in calves of bottlenose dolphins Tursiops truncatus born in oceanarium was studied by visual observation and recording of etograms with subsequent computer treatment of data. The first element of locomotion of the neonates was swimming synchronously with their mother on the water surface and diving to a depth. In the process of development, this form of behavior was modified and other motor acts and postures characteristic of locomotion of adult individuals appeared heterochronously. Formation of various ways of swimming in the calves was connected with the appearance of their capability for the turn to the back. The diving reaction was developed in connection with development of static postures. Among the jumps, the first one was a non-high jumping out from the water--a "flopping-down" abdomen-wise, and subsequently a high arch-like jump with a noiseless entrance into the water and a "flopping-down" side-wise. The main ways of locomotion characteristic of this animal species appeared for the first month of life; subsequently they were improved and complicated.