Here's why:
* Dolphins are strong and intelligent: They are capable of defending themselves, even against larger sharks. They often travel in pods, which can be intimidating to a solitary shark.
* Dolphins are fast and agile: They can easily evade a shark's attack.
* Dolphins have a reputation for being aggressive: While not always true, dolphins have been known to defend themselves against sharks.
While a shark might not be afraid of a dolphin, it's likely to avoid a confrontation with one, knowing it could potentially be outmatched.
Think of it this way: A shark might be willing to take on a smaller, weaker fish, but it's not going to want to mess with a group of highly intelligent and athletic dolphins.