Kingdom:
Animalia
Spinner dolphins are
classified under Animalia because they are multi-cellular and
heterotrophic; meaning that they rely on other organisms for food. The cells
that make up these animals do not have a cell wall and most of the cells are
organized into tissues, which are then put into specialized groups of organs for
function. Dolphins are very active, and can take part in many complex movements.
Most of these organisms are diploid, meaning that there are two sets of
chromosomes; one from the mother and one from the father.
Phylum:
Chordata
Spinners can also
be classified in the group Chordata because they possess a notochord at
sometime throughout their development. This is an structure that aids in
supporting the body during movements. The notochord is dorsal to the gut area,
but ventral to the central nervous system. The chordates also have a full
digestive system, bilateral symmetry, a tail, a ventral heart, segmented bodies,
and pharyngeal pouches at some stage in life.
Subphylum: Vertebrata
The organisms in
the Vertebrata class all share one thing; a vertebrae. A vertebrae is a
long column of bones that run dorsally along the organism. The Spinner dolphin
fits into this subphylum because it contains a ventral heart, perforated
pharynx, red blood cells containing hemoglobin, and two kidneys.
Class:
Mammalia
Stenella
longirostris fits into the Mammalia class because they produce milk and
from their mammary glands. Female mammals have to invest a lot of time into
their offspring because of this feeding technique, so therefore these animals
seem very family oriented.
Order: Cetacea
Spinner dolphins
are categorized in the Cetacea order because they are believed to be
descendants of archaeocetes. These organisms live a completely aquatic
life and and takes no part in life on land at any point in development.
Family:
Delphinidae
One of the main
aspects of the Delphinidae family is the shape of the organisms heads.
Most have long beaks, or rostrums, and contain a "melon" at the top. The common
name for this family is "porpoise", but some are known as dolphins for a more
distinct beak shape. This family is extremely social and interactive and use
many unique behaviors that researchers now seek out today. These dolphins are
also known for their communication technique; known as echolocation.
Delphinids are also extremely intelligent and live mostly in large groups.
Genus:
Stenella
Stenella
longirostris is one
of four main subgroups of Spinner dolphins. This is a very specific group to
only the Spinners that live in certain areas.
Species:
Stenella longirostris
The
Stenella longirostris species is a highly specific species of dolphin; these
organisms are extremely playful, active, and socially interactive.
This page was created by Sally Johnson