Since sound travels efficiently in water, dolphins utilize sounds via echolocation to orient themselves and survive by detecting prey. ... In murky waters, visibility may be extremely low, thus dolphins rely on echolocation rather than sight to catch prey and avoid predators.

Do dolphins learn to echolocate?

Dolphins have developed the ability to use echolocation, often known as sonar, to help them see better underwater. Scientists believe this ability probably evolved slowly over time. Echolocation allows dolphins to “see" by interpreting the echoes of sound waves that bounce off of objects near them in the water.

Why do dolphins make sounds?

The sounds that a dolphin makes underwater serve to help them navigate, locate food, glean information about the environment, and to communicate with other dolphins. These sounds are generated inside the dolphin's head, under the blowhole, and, generally, without air escaping from the dolphin's blowhole.