Dolphins can use sponges as tools to snag food they could not otherwise grab, researchers say.

By Charles Q. Choi, Live Science Contributor | April 24, 2014 08:20am ET

This is the first direct evidence that dolphins can use tools to carve out unique places in the food chain, scientists added.

Dolphins are often ranked among the smartest members of the animal kingdom. They engage in complex forms of communication, may recognize themselves in mirrors, can understand sign language, and can learn to poke an underwater keyboard to request toys to play with.

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