Whale song and the development of whale culture is a fascinating thing. Now researchers from the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), Columbia University and Australia have found that humpback whales from different sides of the same ocean basin are singing different songs. It comes as a surprise since whales from the same basin usually sing the same tunes.
However, these new findings of whales inhabiting the waters off Madagascar and Western Australia challenge previously held notions about how whale cultures spread within the same basin.
Writing in the January issue of Marine Mammal Science, lead author Anita Murray says:
“The reason for this anomaly remains a mystery.”
Source:
Humpback Whales Living in Same Ocean Basin Singing Different Tunes
However, these new findings of whales inhabiting the waters off Madagascar and Western Australia challenge previously held notions about how whale cultures spread within the same basin.
Writing in the January issue of Marine Mammal Science, lead author Anita Murray says:
“The reason for this anomaly remains a mystery.”
Source:
Humpback Whales Living in Same Ocean Basin Singing Different Tunes
