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Published online 13 October 2008 | Nature | doi:10.1038/news.2008.1166
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How to sex a dolphin
Fin-scanning could speed up an essential conservation task — discerning male from female.
Assessing the ratio of males to females in endangered populations is vital for conservation work. But sexing a dolphin is tricky — not least because the crucial parts of the mammal are usually concealed beneath the waves.
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So then I have to wonder, is that how the dolphins can tell quickly? Hey, honey, nice dorsal fin!