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The bottlenose dolphin is a highly intelligent and social marine mammal found in warm and temperate seas worldwide. As a member of the Delphinidae family, it is closely related to other dolphins, porpoises, and whales. Bottlenose dolphins are easily recognized by their short, thick beak, robust body, and distinctive gray coloration. They typically measure between 2-4 meters in length and weigh up to 650 kg. These marine animals are known for their playful behavior, often seen leaping out of the water and riding waves. Bottlenose dolphins are also well-known for their complex social structures, living in groups called pods that can range from a few individuals to hundreds. They communicate with each other using a series of clicks, whistles, and body movements. Bottlenose dolphins have a varied diet, feeding on fish, squid, and crustaceans. They use echolocation, a form of sonar, to locate prey underwater. This involves emitting sounds that bounce off objects in their environment, allowing them to determine the size, shape, and distance of their prey. In terms of their place in the hierarchy, bottlenose dolphins are a type of marine mammal that falls under the broader category of marine life. Within marine mammals, they are classified as a type of fish, specifically a toothed whale, which is further divided into the family Delphinidae. As such, bottlenose dolphins share many characteristics with other members of this family, including a similar body shape, social structure, and behavior.