History Sandbox / SapientCetaceansWickCheck

# Roleplay.RedAlert3ParadoxExpandedUniverse: they have made an alliance with sperm whales in exchange for protecting the whale`s territory. '''Low on context.'''

* 12/50 wicks, or 24%, were correcly used (with the cetaceans being as or nearly as smart as humans),

* 10/50 wicks, or 20%, were correcly used (with the cetaceans being as or nearly as smart as humans),
* 5/50 wicks, or 10%, were just an anthropomorphic cetacean or a cetacean not necessarily as smart as humans,

* 10/50 wicks, or 20%, correct, and
* 37/50 wicks, or 74%, incorrect.

[[folder:Correct use (cetaceans as or nearly as smart as humans) (10/50)]]

[[folder:Just an anthropomorphic cetacean/a cetacean that is not necessarily as smart as humans (5/50)]]

# WesternAnimation.TheTick: "Tick vs Reno, Nevada" featured a dolphin who, like Blowhole, wanted to conquer mankind rather than amuse it. '''Just an anthropomorphic dolphin.'''
# Literature.AndreaVernonAndTheCorporationForUltraHumanProtection: A speaking humpback whale offers his services to CUP in book 2 and shows up during the climax of the book to help defend [[spoiler:New York]]. Despite his claims that he can summon other sea creatures to fight beside him, he shows up alone. When Andrea questions that, he points out that it was extremely short notice, so the fact that he managed to make it at all from the Pacific to the Atlantic is in an of itself a miracle. [[spoiler:Andrea also learns that the whale approached DESTRON America at the same time but ended up going with CUP.]] '''Seems to be just an anthropomorphic cetacean--advanced technology, etc. isn't involved.'''

[[folder:[=ZCEs=] (other than alien races), unclear, and other (15/50)]]

'''Why?''': While the definition for this trope is cetaceans being as or nearly as smart as humans (specifically by doing many advanced things beyond what a typical dolphin can do), it gets misused instead for any anthropomorphic cetacean.

[[folder:Sapient dolphin-like aliens (7/50)]]

[[folder:[=ZCEs=], unclear, and other (23/50)]]

# Literature.{{Spinneret}}: The Pom are similar to dolphins with tentacles. '''No context.'''
# XUniverse.TropesMToR Not much is known of the Wenendra (a race of '''SapientCetaceans''' on one of the Boron planets), but it involves a creator deity. Upon FirstContact, the Boron had some trouble convincing the Wenendra they [[UnwantedFalseFaith weren't that entity]]. '''Pothole doesn't elaborate.'''

# VideoGame.JupiterAndMars: The game is especially popular with ''VideoGame/EccoTheDolphin'' fans, for [[SapientCetaceans obvious]] [[MatureAnimalStory reasons]]. '''No context pothole.'''
# Literature.TheSnowQueenSeries: The mers, even though they are more seal-like. They sing like whales though.
# BinomiumRidiculus: The ''VideoGame/{{X}}-Encyclopedia'' gives fairly reasonable Latin names to all the major nonhuman species of the X-Universe, though [[LampshadeHanging the text admits that applying Terran nomenclature to extraterrestrials is inexact at best]]...It also puts the mysterious semi-insectoid Khaak in order ''Bilateria'' and the {{Sapient Cetacean|s}} Wenendra in order ''Cetacea''.

# AllThereInTheManual.VideoGames: The ''[[VideoGame/{{X}} X-Universe]]'' has a history that goes back almost five billion years...In addition to explaining the history and fleshing out much of the setting, it loves to talk about things that aren't even hinted at in the games, such as an independent human government called the Hatikvah Free League, and a race of SapientCetaceans on a hidden Boron planet.
# DarkSecret: ''VideoGame/SwordOfTheStars II: Lords of Winter'' reveals that the '''[[SapientCetaceans Liir]]''' have been harboring a dark secret: the [[spoiler:Suul'ka]] are really Liir Elders who have refused to die and became DrunkWithPower. The bit about the [[spoiler:Liir killing all Suul'ka with a bio-engineered plague]] is complete bull.

# SomeCallMeTim: ''Franchise/StarTrekExpandedUniverse'': ''Dark Mirror'': The '''[[SapientCetaceans Delphine]]''' scientist Hwiii ie'ee u-Ulak! ha'. It's pronounced "Wheee!" '''ZCE.'''
# Characters.StarTrekSpeciesAToD: What they evolved from and still act like. '''Low context.'''

[[folder:Correct use (cetaceans as or nearly as smart as humans) (13/50)]]

# SquareCubeLaw: [[SapientCetaceans Liir]] are technically immortal and never stop growing, resulting in their Great Elders being very large. Eventually, they grow too big and die due to gravity. [[spoiler: Suul'ka are Liir Great Elders who say "Forget this gravity junk" and teleport into space to continue their existence.]] '''Pothole refers to what seems to be correct use.'''

# Literature.CouncilWars: "Delphinos", humans who have used advanced genetic engineering to turn themselves into dolphins and have lost all sense of their own humanity as a result.

# DepopulationBomb: ''VideoGame/SwordOfTheStars'': Also, in the '''[[SapientCetaceans Liir]]''' [[AllThereInTheManual backstory]], they are conquered by a vicious race known to them only as the Suul'ka. When they finally [[TurnedAgainstTheirMasters rebel]], the Liir use their advanced knowledge of biology to [[GeneticEngineeringIsTheNewNuke genetically engineer]] a virus designed to kill only the Suul'ka. The virus actually wipes out all Suul'ka in the sector and, as it was previously thought, all Suul'ka everywhere. The sequel reveals that the Suul'ka are NotQuiteDead. '''Dolphins are at least as smart as humans.'''

# EasyCommunication: In ''VideoGame/SwordOfTheStars'' Humans and Zuul cannot relay orders to fleets in [[{{Hyperspace}} nodespace]] because the signals wouldn't be able to catch up to the ships in time...The '''[[SapientCetaceans Liir]]''' use "stutter-probes" to record audio-messages using their Fleetsong battle language and send them to their destination. Since the probes are much smaller than ships, they can teleport much faster (of course, how do you send a probe to a ship teleporting at FTL speeds).[[note]]Technically, neither is moving at FTL at all. They just teleport minute distances really, really fast, and the comm probes can do it even faster.[[/note]] '''These dolphins seem as smart as humans at least.'''
# Characters.DungeonsAndDragonsCreaturesM: Malasyneps have genius-level intellects, and speak Aquan. '''Definitely correct.'''

[[folder:Just an anthropomorphic cetacean/a cetacean that is not necessarily as smart as humans (6/50)]]

# WesternAnimation.StarTrekLowerDecks: Cetacean Ops has at least two beluga whale crew who work in navigation, and we see them for the first time in the Season 2 finale. '''Just anthropomorphic whales.'''

# VideoGame.EcoQuest: ''The Search for Cetus'' features a number of ocean creatures that are able to communicate with the human protagonist. The first one he meets is an injured dolphin named Delphineus. '''Just a dolphin who can talk to humans.'''

[[folder:Other misuse (6/50)]]
# Literature.{{Hellspark}}: None appear in the story, but during a discussion of the definition of sapience it's mentioned that dolphins have been recognized as sapient despite not fitting a strict reading of the definition (because they don't create and use physical artifacts). '''Doesn't describe cetaceans being as or nearly as smart as humans.'''
# Characters.ConspiracyX: The Greys were similar to terrestrial cetaceans before making contact with the Atlanteans which caused the Greys to decide that arms and legs were more useful for getting around. '''Doesn't mention how they are as smart as or almost as smart as humans.'''
# Characters.AllTomorrows: OurMermaidsAreDifferent: They are definitely one of the Star People's descendants evolved to live underwater, but they look more like a cross between a '''[[SapientCetaceans dolphin]]''' and [[FishPeople fish]] than traditional mermaids. '''Not even a dolphin.'''

# WhatMeasureIsANonCute: ''Series/StarTrekEnterprise'': They introduce the Xindi, a planet made up of five different races: a humanoid race (who looked [[HumanAliens very human]]), a sloth-like race (who looked [[RubberForeheadAliens mostly human]]), a '''[[SapientCetaceans dolphin-like race]]''', an [[BigCreepyCrawlies insect-like race]], and a [[ReptilesAreAbhorrent lizard-like race]]. And all but the last two pull a HeelFaceTurn. '''Dolphin-like, but not specifically dolphins. Misuse.'''

[[folder:[=ZCEs=], unclear, and other (22/50)]]

'''Wicks checked''': 32/50

[[folder:Correct use (cetaceans as or nearly as smart as humans) (7/50)]]

[[folder:Just an anthropomorphic cetacean/a cetacean that is not necessarily as smart as humans (4/50)]]

[[folder:Other misuse (2/50)]]

[[folder:[=ZCEs=], unclear, and other (16/50)]]

[[folder:Just an anthropomorphic cetacean (4/50)]]

----
[[AC:Unclassified wicks]]
# VideoGame.EcoQuest: ''The Search for Cetus'' features a number of ocean creatures that are able to communicate with the human protagonist. The first one he meets is an injured dolphin named Delphineus.
# SomeCallMeTim: ''Franchise/StarTrekExpandedUniverse'': ''Dark Mirror'': The '''[[SapientCetaceans Delphine]]''' scientist Hwiii ie'ee u-Ulak! ha'. It's pronounced "Wheee!"
# Website.TheOnion: Parodied this with the article "[[https://www.theonion.com/dolphins-evolve-opposable-thumbs-1819565718 Dolphins Evolve Opposable Thumbs: 'Oh, Shit,' Says Humanity]]". The article is then filled with stories of the Dolphins' incredibly rapid technology development, and marine biologists committing suicide or preparing to serve the Dolphin overlords.
# DepopulationBomb: ''VideoGame/SwordOfTheStars'': Also, in the '''[[SapientCetaceans Liir]]''' [[AllThereInTheManual backstory]], they are conquered by a vicious race known to them only as the Suul'ka. When they finally [[TurnedAgainstTheirMasters rebel]], the Liir use their advanced knowledge of biology to [[GeneticEngineeringIsTheNewNuke genetically engineer]] a virus designed to kill only the Suul'ka. The virus actually wipes out all Suul'ka in the sector and, as it was previously thought, all Suul'ka everywhere. The sequel reveals that the Suul'ka are NotQuiteDead.
# Characters.AllTomorrows: OurMermaidsAreDifferent: They are definitely one of the Star People's descendants evolved to live underwater, but they look more like a cross between a '''[[SapientCetaceans dolphin]]''' and [[FishPeople fish]] than traditional mermaids.
# Characters.StarTrekSpeciesAToD: What they evolved from and still act like.
# ItCanThink: Dolphins and whales have a [[SapientCetaceans reputation for intelligence]]. Dolphins appear to pass the "mirror test" -- they exhibit behaviour that they never do at other times, like flapping their fins, suggesting they're ''posing''. The smartest dolphins are orcas[[note]]Yes, they're called "killer whales", but taxonomically they're a species of dolphin. Don't blame us, blame colloquial English[[/note]], and check out what ''they'' can do: ...
# Characters.BleedingEdge: Mekko is just as smart and capable of coherent thought as the other members of Bleeding Edge.
# Myth.InuitMythology: Dolphins, orcas, whales, porpoises, belugas and narwhals are all considered by the Inuit to be the most intelligent creatures, besides humans of course.
# VideoGame.CriticalDepth: The Cephalopod race had intended for dolphins to rule the earth. In [[MultipleEndings Team Earth Hope's ending]], they are dismayed to find humans have taken over after millions of years, and vow to [[KillAllHumans fix the situation]].
# Literature.MardockScramble: Tweedledum the dolphin. '''commented out'''
# Anime.GunBuster
** The final episode shows an Orca amongst a ship's crew.
** The Eltreum uses cyborg dolphins for navigation, though only one is briefly shown.
# WhatMeasureIsANonCute: ''Series/StarTrekEnterprise'': They introduce the Xindi, a planet made up of five different races: a humanoid race (who looked [[HumanAliens very human]]), a sloth-like race (who looked [[RubberForeheadAliens mostly human]]), a '''[[SapientCetaceans dolphin-like race]]''', an [[BigCreepyCrawlies insect-like race]], and a [[ReptilesAreAbhorrent lizard-like race]]. And all but the last two pull a HeelFaceTurn.
# EasyCommunication: In ''VideoGame/SwordOfTheStars'' Humans and Zuul cannot relay orders to fleets in [[{{Hyperspace}} nodespace]] because the signals wouldn't be able to catch up to the ships in time...The '''[[SapientCetaceans Liir]]''' use "stutter-probes" to record audio-messages using their Fleetsong battle language and send them to their destination. Since the probes are much smaller than ships, they can teleport much faster (of course, how do you send a probe to a ship teleporting at FTL speeds).[[note]]Technically, neither is moving at FTL at all. They just teleport minute distances really, really fast, and the comm probes can do it even faster.[[/note]]
# Literature.TheTaleOfGurionThricebound: While other animals touched by the Mother as adults report a sudden increase in their awareness and understanding, Whitecap seems to have noticed no change.
# Characters.DungeonsAndDragonsCreaturesM: Malasyneps have genius-level intellects, and speak Aquan.
# Film.{{Blackfish}}: A certain level of intelligence in the whales is shown by film of whales seemingly toying with their trainers. One incident in particular -- where the whale drags the trainer repeatedly down the bottom of the tank -- shows that the whale seems to know how long it can submerge its trainer to torture him without drowning him.

# Characters.TheSimpsonsTappedOut: '''ZCE'''

'''Wicks checked''': 20/50

[[folder:Correct use (cetaceans as or nearly as smart as humans) (4/50)]]

[[folder:[=ZCEs=], unclear, and other (8/50)]]

[[folder:Unclassifiable (2/50)]]

# Literature.TheSnowQueenSeries: The mers, even though they are more seal-like. They sing like whales though.
# BinomiumRidiculus: The ''VideoGame/{{X}}-Encyclopedia'' gives fairly reasonable Latin names to all the major nonhuman species of the X-Universe, though [[LampshadeHanging the text admits that applying Terran nomenclature to extraterrestrials is inexact at best]]...It also puts the mysterious semi-insectoid Khaak in order ''Bilateria'' and the {{Sapient Cetacean|s}} Wenendra in order ''Cetacea''.
# Characters.TheReviewTeamEquestrianInhabitants: Smarty Smarts and, much like some dolphins, evil to boot.
# Literature.HyperionCantos: There is mention of intelligent telepathic dolphins. Unfortunately they are noted to have been hunted nearly to extinction two hundred years prior...''because'' they were sentient.
# AllThereInTheManual.VideoGames: The ''[[VideoGame/{{X}} X-Universe]]'' has a history that goes back almost five billion years...In addition to explaining the history and fleshing out much of the setting, it loves to talk about things that aren't even hinted at in the games, such as an independent human government called the Hatikvah Free League, and a race of SapientCetaceans on a hidden Boron planet.
# DarkSecret: ''VideoGame/SwordOfTheStars II: Lords of Winter'' reveals that the '''[[SapientCetaceans Liir]]''' have been harboring a dark secret: the [[spoiler:Suul'ka]] are really Liir Elders who have refused to die and became DrunkWithPower. The bit about the [[spoiler:Liir killing all Suul'ka with a bio-engineered plague]] is complete bull.
# ComicBook.DoctorZero: Doctor Zero talks with dolphins, and seems to consider them a better species than humans. He's offered to take them with him when he finally leaves the planet.
# Characters.AdventuresOfTheGalaxyRangers: Intelligent ones outfitted with cyberware!
# WhatCouldHaveBeen.{{Literature}}: ''Franchise/TheHitchhikersGuideToTheGalaxy'': Creator/DouglasAdams's original outline follows Arthur (originally named Aleric) and Ford up until they stow away on the Vogon ship in much the same manner as the finished product, but the suggested continuations, aside from one about SapientCetaceans, in no way resembled what we eventually got.
# Pinball.JohnnyMnemonic: James, the cyborg-enhanced dolphin, appears next to the left ramp.
# IReadThatAs.NToS: [[WesternAnimation/SouthPark Sapient Crustaceans]]; Sapient [[Series/{{Farscape}} Sebaceans]]
# Literature.CouncilWars: "Delphinos", humans who have used advanced genetic engineering to turn themselves into dolphins and have lost all sense of their own humanity as a result.

# DepopulationBomb
# Characters.AllTomorrows
# Characters.StarTrekSpeciesAToD
# ItCanThink
# Characters.BleedingEdge
# Myth.InuitMythology
# VideoGame.CriticalDepth
# Literature.MardockScramble

# WhatMeasureIsANonCute
# EasyCommunication
# Literature.TheTaleOfGurionThricebound
# Characters.TheSimpsonsTappedOut
# Characters.DungeonsAndDragonsCreaturesM
# Film.{{Blackfish}}

# Literature.TheSnowQueenSeries
# BinomiumRidiculus
# Characters.TheReviewTeamEquestrianInhabitants
# Literature.HyperionCantos
# AllThereInTheManual.VideoGames
# DarkSecret
# ComicBook.DoctorZero
# Characters.AdventuresOfTheGalaxyRangers
# WhatCouldHaveBeen.{{Literature}}
# Pinball.JohnnyMnemonic
# IReadThatAs.NToS
# Literature.CouncilWars
# VideoGame.EcoQuest
# SomeCallMeTim
# Website.TheOnion

'''Wicks checked''': 14/50

[[folder:Correct use (cetaceans as or nearly as smart as humans) (2/50)]]

[[folder:Just an anthropomorphic whale (2/50)]]

[[folder:[=ZCEs=], unclear, and other (7/50)]]

[[folder:Unclassifiable (1/50)]]

# Creator.WilliamGibson
# WesternAnimation.TheTick
# JustForFun.PokedexOfTropes
# Literature.AndreaVernonAndTheCorporationForUltraHumanProtection
# VideoGame.JupiterAndMars
# SquareCubeLaw

'''Why?''': While the definition for this trope is cetaceans being as or nearly as smart as humans, it gets misused instead for any anthropomorphic cetacean.

'''Wicks checked''': 10/50

[[folder:Correct use (0/50)]]

# Literature.DragonridersOfPern: The original settlers brought intellectually enhanced dolphins with them, but lost contact after the exodus to the Northern Continent. In the aptly titled ''Dolphins of Pern'', Jayge and Aramina's son Readis becomes the first to reestablish contact with the "shipfish". '''Does not say if the dolphins are as smart as or nearly as smart as humans. Misuse as written.'''

[[folder:[=ZCEs=], unclear, and other (5/50)]]

# Series.MysteryScienceTheater3000
# TabletopGame.TheyCameFromBeneathTheSea
# Characters.KamenRiderBladeUndeads
# Characters.ConspiracyX

'''Wicks checked''': 4/50

[[folder:Just an anthropomorphic whale (1/50)]]

[[folder:Other misuse (1/50)]]

[[folder:[=ZCEs=], unclear, and other (2/50)]]

[[folder:Unclassifiable (0/50)]]

# AlliterativeName.TropesSToZ
# Literature.DragonridersOfPern
# WesternAnimation.StarTrekLowerDecks
# XUniverse.TropesMToR
# Literature.TimeMachineSeries
# Roleplay.RedAlert3ParadoxExpandedUniverse

'''Why?''': While the definition for this trope is whales being as or nearly as smart as humans, it gets misused instead for any anthropomorphic whale.

'''Wicks checked''': 0/50

[[folder:Just an anthropomorphic whale (0/50)]]

[[folder:Other misuse (0/50)]]

[[folder:[=ZCEs=], unclear, and other (0/50)]]

# Literature.{{Hellspark}}
# Toys.{{Digimon}}
# Characters.DigimonVTamer01
# Literature.{{Spinneret}}

[[folder:Anthropomorphic whale (0/50)]]

'''Why?''':