A profound sense of astonishment gripped onlookers as an extraordinary sight emerged from the depths of the sea along the Romanian coast. The tranquil waters revealed a wounded dolphin, its plight capturing the attention of unsuspecting tourists.
Efforts were made to rescue the distressed marine mammal, but regrettably, its fate was sealed. Experts identified the creature as a member of the Delphinus Delphis species, a species known to inhabit the Black Sea.
Upon closer examination, the dolphin displayed multiple wounds on its body, likely inflicted by the ensnaring nets of fishermen. The Black Sea is home to three distinct species of marine mammals: the Common dolphin (Delphinus delphis ponticus), the Bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus ponticus), and the Harbor porpoise (Phocoena phocoena relicta).
Diverging in morpho-anatomical features and primary food sources, these species exhibit unique characteristics. The Bottlenose dolphin and Harbor porpoise primarily feed on fish and benthic organisms, while the Common dolphin’s diet encompasses fish and other organisms found within the water column.
Each species displays a preference for specific habitats, with the first two favoring coastal areas and the Common dolphin being commonly encountered in offshore zones. The Common dolphin is characterized by a bluish-gray to brown color on its dorsal side, featuring a distinct V-shaped lateral boundary that is remarkably light. A pigmented band, varying in darkness, connects the lower jaw to the insertion of the pectoral fins. The dorsal, pectoral, and caudal fins range from black to gray-brown.
Newborns measure around 0.80-0.95 m, with adults in the Black Sea not exceeding 2 m (males – 177 cm, females – 159 cm). Highly sensitive to chemical and acoustic pollution, they exhibit social behaviors, forming groups of 10-15 individuals, as well as pairs or isolated individuals. With rapid swimming capabilities, reaching speeds of approximately 50 km/h, they engage in short-duration dives and frequent surface breathing at intervals of 1/3 seconds. Their habitat extends to depths of up to 70 meters.
Sexual maturity is reached at the age of 2 years, and the gestation period is 10 months, with weaning occurring at 4 months. Displaying highly developed maternal instincts, their lifespan is estimated to be 25-30 years. Their primary diet comprises small pelagic fish such as sprat, anchovy, and gobies, along with crustaceans.
Additionally, their stomachs often contain other species like horse mackerel, cod, bluefish, red mullet, sea bass, shrimp, and mollusks. The daily food intake for these remarkable creatures is approximately 10 kg.
The acapella rendition of “You Raise Me Up” will give you goosebumps
It’s no secret that music resonates with many of us, almost as if it possesses its own unique language.
For centuries, as long as humans have been able to listen, music has held a significant place in our cultures, stirring deep emotions and inspiring countless individuals. While musical styles evolve over time, some songs remain timeless, continuing to evoke strong feelings and find appreciation long after their initial release.
One of the remarkable aspects of music, and songs in particular, is the unique interpretation each artist brings. A perfect example of this is “You Raise Me Up”, a classic first introduced in 2001 and later covered by notable artists like Josh Groban in 2003 and Westlife in 2005
Chances are you’ve heard this song, if not, it’s definitely worth a listen. The fact that over 100 artists have covered it speaks volumes about its enduring appeal. Among all the versions of this cherished ballad, one that stands out for its haunting beauty is performed by Brigham Young University’s Vocal Point.
Founded in 1991 by BYU students Dave Boyce and Bob Ahlander, BYU Vocal Point is a nine-member acapella group that quickly gained immense popularity on campus and finished fifth in NBC’s third season of The Sing-Off.
In 2018, they announced a record deal with Universal Music Group’s classical label, Decca Gold. Jason Bromley, one of the group’s members, remarked: “We’re ordinary college students doing extraordinary things”.
Their cover of “You Raise Me Up” is a true testament to their exceptional talent, creating unforgettable musical moments.
The accompanying video features the group harmonizing against a stunning mountainous backdrop, merging their voices in an awe-inspiring manner. Still skeptical? Check out the mesmerizing rendition of BYU Vocal Point in the video below:
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