They aid in steering and provide lift while swimming. Each side of the tail is called a fluke. The flukes are very stiff and separated by a deep notch in the center of the tail. High frequency clicking sounds produced in the nasal and larynx passages are focused through the melon. By sending out sounds and listening for them to return, dolphins are able to navigate and find food in murky or dark waters.
Dolphins have good vision in and out of the water.
Vision may be assisted by behaviors such as spyhopping in which the animal extends its head above the water for a better look. The eyes are protected from the saltwater by a jellylike secretion. Sense of smell is not believed to exist, since the portion of the brain associated with smell is not developed. Rotation of the blowhole to the top of the head may have led to the loss of smelling abilities. Tests on bottlenose dolphins indicate that they have the ability to differentiate between certain tastes.