 Researchers in a 2014 study in Shark Bay found the fatty acid analyses between the West and East Gulf populations to differ , which is due to the two areas having different food sources . However , when comparing data from within the West Gulf , the spongers vs. the nonspongers in the deep channels had very different fatty acid results even though they are in the same habitat . Nonspongers from deep and shallow channels had similar data . This suggests that sponging was the cause of the different data and not the deep vs. shallow channels . Sponging opened up a new niche for the dolphins and allowed them access to new prey , which caused long @-@ term diet changes . By producing different food sources within a population , there is less intrapopulation competition for resources , showing character displacement . As a result , the carrying capacity increases since the entire population does not depend on one food source . The fitness levels within the population also change , thus allowing this culture to evolve . 
