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Scientists wanting to see how the evolution of bottlenose dolphins’ DNA compares to other animals recently compared 10,000 of their genes to nine other animals. By looking at which genes have mutated, they were able to determine which are actively “evolving,” or undergoing changes that are then passed on to future generations of dolphins.

The team of scientists was especially interested in genes that related to the nervous system and brain as the sea mammals are widely known to be very intelligent and have demonstrated the ability to use tools, communicate, and recognize themselves.

The study revealed 200 genes with significant changes, 27 of which are related to the dolphins’ nervous system. When discussing this finding, Michael McGowen of Wayne State University School of Medicine in Michigan said, "Probably, changes in these genes could have led to the amazing cognitive capacity seen in dolphins — it definitely points in that direction."

Researchers chose to compare the dolphins’ genes to those of the dog, elephant, cow, human, mouse, opossum, horse, platypus, and chicken.

Read more about the study here.