Dolphins: ancient sages we continue to worship They emerge from the water, shimmering in the sun, and for a moment it seems they are smiling at us. We film them, feed them by hand, attribute almost human traits to them. Dolphins are one of the few animals to which humans relate not as \"lesser brothers\", but as nearly equals. But where did they come from? Why do we love them so much? And can we make them our domestic pets? The answers to these questions lead us deeply into the past, into the depths of evolution, and into the essence of human psychology. Birth of dolphins: land ancestors who went into the water The history of dolphins begins not in the sea, but on land. About 50 million years ago, the ancestors of modern dolphins were terrestrial mammals similar to small wolves or deer. They inhabited the shores of ancient seas and gradually, step by step, moved into the water. This was one of the most amazing evolutionary transitions: legs turned into flippers, fur disappeared, the body took on a streamlined shape, and breathing adapted to holding one's breath underwater. Their closest relatives today are hippos and artiodactyls. Yes, dolphins are former ungulates who chose the ocean. In the process of evolution, dolphins developed a complex echolocation system that allows them to \"see\" with sound and a powerful intelligence that is compared in complexity to that of primates. They have developed complex social structures, a communication language, the ability to learn, and even culture. In essence, they created their own civilization — only underwater. Why do we idealize dolphins: psychology and myths Humans have always sought a reflection of themselves in nature. Dolphins have become the perfect candidate: they smile, are playful, live in groups, help each other, and sometimes — even people. Myths about rescuing dolphins date back to antiquity: the Greeks considered them messengers of the gods and often depicted them on coins and sculptures. Pliny the Elder wrot ... Read more