Expert: MARK A. HOWELL - 3/14/2009

Question
QUESTION: Hello,
I am currently doing an inquiry project for my high school english class.  The question that I'm researching is: Is the navy's use of dolphins to help mine detection a mistreatment of animals?  Our project requires us to interview an expert in our topic, so I was wondering if you have any prior knowledge about this event and would like to answer about 3-4 questions.  I will e-mail you the questions if you give me permission to interview you.  If you do not know anything about dolphins using sonar to help the navy find mines, simply e-mail me back saying so.  I would like a response as soon as possible.
Thank you for your time,
Shamika

ANSWER: Shamika,
Yes, I do know a bit about that project.  Please send me your questions and I'll be glad to help.
Colonel H

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Alright, here are some of my questions:

1. How does the type of dolphins used effect their ability to find mines?

2.I read in an article that dolphins sometimes died if they got into and accident, and I also read about one dolphin that died of a bacterial infection. If dolphins are being harmed, is it possible for humans to replace them, or would it be too dangerous?

3. After the dolphins are trained, they are brought to an environment that isn't natural. Does the habitat change effect the dolphins in any way?

Thanks again for helping me with my project Colonel H.
I hope you are able to answer my questions.
Shamika

Answer
Shamika,
Wow!  Way to go!  I'm glad you got such a good grade.

Our bosses here at AllExperts don't like us to spend time doing homework questions.  They even have a standard reply that they sometimes send that says, "This Sounds Like A Homework Question."

I say it shows creative thinking.  You used an excellent resource (me) to find an answer, so I don't mind doing homework questions.  When I taught high school I used to tell my students, "I don't care where you get the answer, as long as you get the answer."  (I only wish AllExperts was available when I was in school.)

If I can ever help again, just ask.

Colonel H



Comment - Hey, Shamika here again, dont know if u remember me, but u helped me with my project on the military use of dolphins.  I just wanted to thank you because I go my project back, and I got an A- ! sorry I took so long to get back to you, and once again, thanks.
-Shamika