Are Dolphins Reciprocal Altruists?

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Abstract
When taken in its totality, the scattered and often anecdotal literature on dolphins suggests the existence of a system based to a considerable degree on reciprocal altruism. The evidence of epimeletic behavior, though based wholly on anecdotes, is so common as to be overwhelming in its broad detail. The data on school structure, based on reliable marking studies at sea, clearly shows much fluidity of relationship, except in the larger dimorphic, polygynous species but in both, intergeneric and interspecific cooperative behavior is clear. Reciprocal altruism carries with it the opportunity for the development of complicated social relationships involving, in addition to altruism, deceit, punishment of those who violate social rules, and complicated communication systems between school members. While isolated anecdotes could be cited to support such development, it is preferable at this point to merely conclude that dolphins display complicated social systems whose outlines are just beginning to be understood.

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