Articles tagged with Whales
Scientists discovered that a species of bone-eating worm, Osedax, originated at least 100 million years ago and subsisted on prehistoric reptile bones. The discovery suggests that Osedax may have prevented many skeletons from becoming fossilized, affecting our knowledge of extinct marine life.
Researchers have created a comprehensive family tree of living and extinct baleen whales stretching back nearly 40 million years. The study estimates that there were over 70 species, with many lineages branching out into unique body shapes and feeding strategies before extinction occurred between 30-23 million years ago.
A multinational study reviews the current state of knowledge and recommends conservation measures for Arctic marine mammals due to climate change. The study finds profound reductions in sea ice cover and its impact on species such as polar bears and seals.
A 17-million-year-old beaked whale fossil found in Kenya has provided the first exact date for East Africa's mysterious uplift. The whale was stranded inland at a time when the continent was still at sea level and covered with forest, leading to changes in vegetation that drove human evolution.
Researchers reconstructed fetal ear bone development in whales using non-invasive imaging techniques, providing insight into how whales transitioned from land to sea and adapted to underwater hearing. The study's findings confirm changes in ear bone development parallelled changes throughout whale evolution.
Researchers analyzed ear bone development in womb and fossilized whales, revealing parallel changes that indicate whales shifted from land to sea. The study provides insight into the evolutionary process of whale hearing, essential for protecting populations from ocean noise.
Researchers identified over 100 biologically important areas (BIAs) in U.S. waters to inform conservation and management decisions for whales, dolphins, and porpoises. BIAs cover 24 species, stocks, or populations in seven regions and include reproductive, feeding, migratory, and population-concentrated areas.
Researchers found that underwater noise from melting glaciers exceeds ocean noise levels generated by all other sources. The loud sounds are short-lived, but consistent melting of ice creates a persistent noise generator. Further studies are needed to investigate the relationship between underwater noise levels and the fjord ecosystem.
Researchers found that post-reproductive female killer whales act as leaders and share valuable ecological knowledge, helping their younger kin survive. This discovery suggests a potential explanation for the evolution of menopause in humans.
A new study finds that female killer whales survive after menopause due to their ability to share 'ecological knowledge' with family members, particularly during hard times. This research provides insights into why women continue to live long after they can no longer have children.
The Pew Charitable Trusts has named five distinguished scientists and conservationists from Canada, Australia, Russia, and the UK as 2015 recipients of the Pew fellowship in marine conservation. They will conduct research projects addressing key ocean conservation challenges including bycatch reduction and coral reef protection.
The new system, developed by NOAA scientists, can track individual whales and increase the sample size of the population count. This allows for more accurate estimates of population size and helps conservation efforts.
Researchers at San Diego State University used computer simulations to discover that fin whale skulls can capture low-frequency energy and direct it to the ear bones. This bone conduction method is up to 10 times more sensitive than pressure mechanisms for hearing, solving a long-standing mystery about baleen whales' acoustic properties.
A research team analyzed body size data for 25 marine species, including whales, sharks, and squids, to correct inaccuracies and understand the challenges of measurement. The study found that some species exhibit significant size variation within a single species.
The study provides novel candidate genes for future studies on longevity and cancer resistance, while revealing physiological adaptations related to size in large whales. Researchers hope to apply these findings to humans to fight age-related diseases.
Researchers have sequenced the bowhead whale genome, identifying key genes related to longevity, cancer resistance, and DNA repair. Alterations in these genes may contribute to the whale's remarkable longevity and cancer resistance.
Researchers found two distinct populations of blue whales in the southeastern Pacific, with one population potentially consisting of pygmy-type blue whales. This discovery could help inform effective conservation plans for this endangered species.
Humpback whales cooperate with each other to corral prey near the surface and emit specific acoustic cues when feeding on bottom prey at night. These sounds, dubbed 'tick-tock' noises, help flush out sand lance, a common food source.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that a humpback whale population in the Arabian Sea has been isolated for approximately 70,000 years. The population is highly distinct from other global populations, with low genetic diversity and abundance estimates, raising concerns about its survival.
A recent study reveals the Arabian Sea humpback whale population has remained separate from other humpback whales for approximately 70,000 years. This genetic isolation may be linked to glacial episodes and asynchronous breeding cycles, highlighting the need for urgent conservation efforts.
Researchers have identified key habitats for Iberian orcas, showing they are closely tied to tuna migration patterns. The small population faces threats from human activity in their limited habitat.
Otago researchers have discovered a previously unknown genus of fossil baleen whales and two species within it, rewriting the history of New Zealand's ancient whales. The genus, Tohoraata, translates to 'Dawn Whale' in Māori, with the two identified species living between 27-25 million years ago.
Researchers discovered a simple scaling law that describes how the speed of an organism changes with its size, movement speed, and other factors. The study found that all animals, from tiny fish larvae to massive whales, can be described by one of two equations, indicating general principles at work.
Research from USC and NHM found that whale pelvic bones serve a purpose and are influenced by sexual selection. The study compared the size of pelvic bones to testis size, revealing a correlation between more competitive mating environments and larger pelvic bones.
The California blue whale population has rebounded to near historical levels, according to new research. The recovery is attributed to careful management and conservation measures, rather than ship strikes or other human-caused factors.
Researchers have made the first live observations of minke whales feeding under sea ice, revealing a unique behavior that involves lunging up to 100 times per hour. The team used non-lethal tagging methods to study the whales' diet and habitat, providing new insights into the Antarctic ecosystem.
Researchers found that dolphins and beluga whales exhibit a delay between reward anticipation and squealing, suggesting they experience pleasure. This behavior is comparable to the timing of dopamine release in humans.
A new study reveals that a single Maldivian atoll's whale sharks account for nearly 3% of global shark ecotourism. The South Ari atoll Marine Protected Area attracts 77,000 tourists annually, generating $9.4 million in direct income. The valuation of wildlife tourism is the first to be calculated exclusively from observational studies.
Research suggests two distinct whale shark populations exist in the Indo-Pacific and Atlantic Ocean with minimal mixing. Genetic diversity at Ningaloo Reef in Australia has declined over five consecutive years, potentially indicating a recent bottleneck.
Researchers found hundreds of juvenile whale sharks gathering on coral reefs near Saudi Arabia, providing a rare insight into their daily lives and movements. The study tracked the sharks' movements over years, revealing frequent deep dives and a sex ratio of 1:1 at the site.
A 15-year study reveals that blue whales consistently return to specific feeding grounds along the US West Coast, despite busy shipping lanes. The findings highlight the need for modifications in ship routing to reduce human threats to the endangered species.
A 15-year analysis of blue whale movements off the West Coast found that their feeding areas are bisected by shipping lanes, increasing the risk of injury and mortality. Researchers suggest moving shipping lanes to reduce collisions, similar to a previous study that reduced right whale strikes in the Bay of Fundy.
A 16-year study reveals that the Azore islands are becoming a crucial part of the Atlantic whale shark's habitat due to rising ocean temperatures. The researchers found that increased sightings were correlated with higher water temperatures and seafloor features, such as slopes and seamounts.
New research reveals whales have a powerful impact on oceans, global carbon storage, and commercial fisheries. The recovery of great whale populations may buffer marine ecosystems from climate change threats by recycling nutrients and enhancing productivity.
A NOAA regulation has been effective in lowering ship speeds in areas with North Atlantic right whales, helping protect these critically endangered animals from collisions. The policy of notifying speeding vessels resulted in improved compliance rates, especially among cargo vessels.
The Panama government has implemented new traffic separation schemes to minimize overlap between commercial vessels and humpback whale migration routes. The changes are expected to reduce vessel speed four months a year and minimize vessel-whale collisions by up to 95%.
A genetic study has identified three distinct subspecies of humpback whales in the North Pacific, North Atlantic, and Southern Hemisphere. The findings suggest that these populations have been isolated for thousands of years, with some populations migrating only between warm equatorial waters.
Researchers at Northwestern University developed a new metric to measure energy consumption efficiency in animals of different sizes. Contrary to expectations, the study found that the gray whale and skipjack tuna are almost equally efficient, with the whale's higher fuel consumption being an unavoidable consequence of physics.
Researchers developed a way to simplify modeling of 'bistable' systems, involving two evolving species with different timescales. This new approach can accurately predict population dynamics and time to extinction in predator-prey models.
A new study re-describes the oldest species of dolphin, Eodelphis kabatensis, shedding light on their origins and evolution. The discovery resolves a discrepancy between fossil records and molecular-based studies, providing crucial insights into the evolutionary history of dolphins.
A new investigation in the Canadian Journal of Cardiology challenges the long-held recommendation to include oily fish in a heart-healthy diet. Researchers found that Greenland Eskimos, who were initially believed to have low rates of coronary artery disease, actually suffered from CAD at the same rate as other populations.
Researchers found the bio-duck sound is made by Antarctic minke whales, which stay in ice-covered waters year-round or migrate to lower latitudes. The discovery helps improve understanding of the species' distribution, abundance, and behavior.
Researchers analyzed stomach contents of pygmy and dwarf sperm whales to better understand their feeding ecologies. The study found that while the two species share similar foraging parameters, pygmy sperm whales consume a greater diversity and size of prey.
Researchers discovered fossils of Tamisiocaris, an early arthropod that evolved from large predators to gentle suspension feeders. This finding highlights the productivity of the Cambrian period and provides insight into ancient ecosystems.
Researchers monitored Cuvier's beaked whales' record-breaking dives to depths of nearly two miles below the ocean surface and some dives lasted for over two hours. The dives captured by this study exceed previous records, including the mammalian dive record previously set by southern elephant seals.
Researchers found that humpback whale skin bacterial communities consist mainly of Tenacibaculum and Psychrobacter spp., but differ by geographic location and metabolic state. The study suggests that these bacteria may act as an indicator of whales' health and the environment.
Researchers at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution identified a core skin bacterial community shared by humpback whales across populations, suggesting a way to assess their overall health. The study's findings could aid in population health monitoring and conservation status of threatened or endangered marine mammals.
Researchers used remote acoustic monitoring to analyze North Atlantic right whale behavior and found that males produce a loud 'gunshot' sound mainly in autumn at night. The study confirms Roseway Basin as a vital habitat area for endangered whales, supporting conservation efforts to save this critically endangered species.
Scientists tracked 18 individual minke whales using passive acoustic monitoring, finding that each species uses a unique call sequence to interact with others. The findings provide insight into minke whale social interactions and migration patterns.
A study by the University of Washington's Applied Physics Laboratory reveals more detections of whales traveling through the Bering Strait. The research tracks Arctic beluga and bowhead whales as well as sub-Arctic humpback, fin, and killer whales using underwater microphones.
High-resolution satellite images successfully counted southern right whales off the Argentinian coast, using automatic detection methods that outperformed traditional manual detection. The study's findings suggest this new approach could be applied to other whale species and marine mammal populations.
Researchers from British Antarctic Survey demonstrated a new method using Very High Resolution satellite imagery and image processing software to automatically detect and count whales breeding in the Golfo Nuevo, Peninsula Valdes. This semi-automated technique has been shown to achieve 89% accuracy in identifying probable whales.
A WCS-led satellite tracking study found humpback whales share breeding waters with offshore oil rigs, major shipping routes, and toxicants off the coast of western Africa. The researchers identified new parts of the whales' breeding range and migratory routes to sub-Antarctic feeding grounds.
Researchers have identified a new species of beaked whale, Mesoplodon hotaula, based on DNA analysis and physical characteristics of seven stranded specimens. The discovery sheds light on the elusive habits and low abundance of deep-diving whales in the world's oceans.
A global decline in killer whale numbers occurred approximately 40,000 years ago during the last Ice Age, with a bottleneck and loss of genetic diversity. The South African population remained genetically diverse, suggesting it escaped the bottleneck due to a stable Bengeula upwelling system.
Researchers analyzed killer whale genomic data and found that populations declined during the last Ice Age due to a bottleneck effect, leading to low genetic diversity except in southern Africa's refuge population.
Research by Robert Boessenecker uncovers a record of 21 marine mammal species from the San Francisco Bay Area's Purisima Formation, dating back 5-2.5 million years. A new species of fossil whale, Balaenoptera bertae, is discovered, closely related to minke and fin whales.
Experts developed a step-by-step guide to minimize seismic survey impacts on whales and other marine species. The study presents the most thorough approach to minimizing and monitoring risk of harm during intense sound surveys, primarily used by oil and gas companies.
A new study has identified five distinct humpback whale populations in the North Pacific Ocean, which could impact conservation efforts. The research used genetic analysis to determine population differences and migratory patterns.
Research suggests that killer whales eavesdrop on sounds generated by their marine mammal prey to locate and hunt them in dark waters. A two-year study in Alaska using acoustic recording tags found evidence of nighttime hunting, debunking previous assumptions about the animals' reliance on echolocation.