By Sciencethe brain of the bottlenose dolphin is larger than the human brain. And what Science described as a “highly complex neocortex”, in terms of their capacity for emotional and social intelligence, problem solving and overall learning ability, dolphins seem to surprise and impress behaviorists and researchers on a daily basis.

According to England and Wales-based registered charity Whale and Dolphin Conservation, dolphins have always been intelligentbut it seems that over time they have evolved to become even more sophisticated.

Like humans, dolphins exhibit prosocial behavior. For example, they have been observed jumping through the air in groups, and for no other discernible reason, experts believe this is done for social fun.

Additionally, dolphins enjoy games and have been observed participating in activities similar to how humans play chase, according to the Whale and Dolphin Conservation.

By Science timedolphins have also evolved nuanced communication systems, recognize yourself in mirrorsfeeding together and a host of other human-like activities.

No, dolphins are not as intelligent as a 7-year-old human, but because intelligence is a multifactorial concept, dolphins surpass human intelligence in other ways.

It is common to want to make comparisons between animal and human intelligence, given that crows were once proclaimed to have processing power to reason like that of a 7 year old child, according to the Tutor.

A the dolphin limbic system and social intelligence, by ZME Sciencesurpasses that of the human brain. Add it all up, and while a dolphin may not have the academic intelligence of a 7-year-old human, its intelligence is fascinating in many other ways.