“We estimated the total number of cells in the neocortex of the long-finned pilot whale (Globicephala melas) brain. For the first time, we show that a species of dolphin has more neocortical neurons than any mammal studied to date, including humans.” – P.J. MORGANE, Senior Scientist, Worcester Foundation for Experimental Biology, in “Mind in the Waters”:
“The enormous surface of the brain cortex and its luxuriant and highly-convoluted appearance still appear to be sound arguments for considering the Cetaceans as potential intelligent and highly- developed fellow beings.”
“In conclusion, let us agree that all the neurological evidence is not in regarding the whale brain and intelligence. However, enough is known to lead us to believe we are dealing with special creatures with remarkably developed brains.
Their kinship with man at the level of neurological development holds us in awe and fascination. It is unthinkable for us to sit idly by and let such unique beings wantonly be destroyed by selfish and short-sighted men.
Our training and deepest feelings make us respect these wondrous creatures. Would that the brains of men could lead them to live in harmony with nature instead of ruthlessly plundering the seas that nurtured us.
HANS B. GRUENBERGER, Brain Anatomy Institute, U. of Berne, Switzerland.
“On the cerebral anatomy of the Amazon dolphin” (Investigations on Cetacean Vol. II, p.1.): “Research carried out during recent decades has shown that many toothed whales (Odontoceti) have reached such a degree of central nervous system differentiation that, cerebrally, they are on a par with higher primates and human beings. This development has taken place mainly in the region of the neocortex and cerebellum, while other brain structures such as the limbic structures are considerably more reduced than in their original state, a fact which is clearly illustrated by comparisons with homologous structures in land mammals.” Researchers at that institute even reckon that a pilot whale brain has twice as many neurons as a human one.
JAN JANSEN AND J.K.S. JANSEN (1969) Anatomical Institute, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway:
“At present, one can only hope that the continued study of this unique brain, in volume and development entirely comparable to the human brain, will ultimately lead to an adequate understanding of this enigmatic organ.”
ALFRED A. BERZIN Chief of the Cetacean Research Laboratory, TINRO, U.S.S.R. In “Kashalot” (1971):
“The Cachalot (the sperm whale) is undoubtedly an animal with a cortex of complex structure corresponding to complex psychic manifestations. The sperm whale brain must possess extreme functional plasticity and practically inexhaustible possibilities for establishing links between stimuli and the force of reactions. The sperm whale brain structure is such that this can be said to be a “thinking” animal capable of displaying high “intellectual abilities.”
Cetaceans Have Complex Brains for Complex Cognition – PLOS
https://journals.plos.org/plosbiology/articleid=10.1371/journal.pbio.0050139 by L Marino – 2007