Photo by paulnicklen | We have a habit of diminishing nature's most spectacular creatures just by our mere names for them. The so-called common dolphin, seen here off Portugal's Azores, is one of the most intelligent species on the planet, with a brain similar to ours in size. They must make a conscious effort to breathe, preventing them from ever entirely falling asleep; they communicate via a large vocabulary of squeaks, grunts, and whines; and they are among the fastest swimmers of all marine mammals. Does any of that sound "common"? Every species on the planet is unique, special, and deserving of our respect. Follow me PaulNicklen, and learn more about the incredible animals we share this world with. #Dolphin #CommonDolphin #Azores #Portugal #Intelligent #Unique #AnythingButCommon #Respect #WondersOfNature⁠