Pods or Social Groups?

Erin's making quite a name for herself at Brookfield Zoo this summer.  As she was reading thru the fact sheets that the volunteers are given, she noticed that it mentioned dolphins travel in pods.  Actually, they don't - they travel in social groups.  The difference is that a pod is a group that's all related by blood, and while a social group hangs out together, they're not related.  Erin knew this because she's read Randy Wells' extensive research on dolphins in the wild.

Erin pointed out the inaccuracy of the dolphin fact sheet to her YVC supervisor, who did an online search about pods vs. social groups.  The online research supported the fact sheet.  Erin stood her ground.  "Randy Wells' research says dolphins run in social groups, and since he's affiliated with Brookfield Zoo, I think the fact sheet needs to be changed," she maintained.  "Bring me hard proof," replied her supervisor.

Erin emailed Randy, whom she met last month at a special lecture on whales.  This very busy, well-known dolphin researcher returned her email in an hour, and confirmed her position:  dolphins travel in social groups.  He also emailed up and down the Zoo foodchain, letting them know about the correction.

I've always told Erin she needs to come up with a "Plan B" should the dolphin trainer thing not work out.  It seems at this point her Plan A will work out just fine.