Articles tagged with Whales
Researchers at the University of Montreal developed a computer program to evaluate tradeoffs between marine mammal conservation, whale watching, and marine transportation. The model simulates the comings and goings of five whale species and three types of boats, allowing regulators to make data-driven decisions to reduce collisions and...
University of Pennsylvania researchers have developed a new technique for analyzing phylogenies, showing that the results stand up against known fossil history of whale species. The method allows for changing rates of speciation and extinction over time and among lineages.
A new study found that ancient whale skulls were asymmetric, suggesting they may have used directional hearing to navigate in water before the development of echolocation. This finding contradicts previous theories and sheds light on the evolution of whales.
Researchers found that ancient whale skulls were asymmetrical, suggesting a link to directional hearing in water. This discovery contradicts the idea that asymmetry evolved later as an adaptation for echolocation.
North Atlantic right whales in Cape Cod Bay are at high risk of being struck by boat propellers while feeding on copepods, which school just below the surface. Researchers have found that these whales spend most of their time between the surface and 13 feet below, making them invisible to boats.
A study on Southern Resident killer whales found that they mate within their own pods, leading to a reduction in genetic diversity. This behavior may be unique to the population's small size and could put them at risk of genetically deteriorating further.
A study suggests gray whales thrived during glacial periods with diverse food sources, supporting higher population estimates than today. Researchers analyzed California gray whale responses to climate change over 120,000 years.
A new study reveals details of the first documented cookiecutter shark attack on a live human, highlighting concerns for swimmers entering warm summer waters. The sharks' unique feeding behavior leaves victims with crater-like wounds requiring plastic surgery, and their bioluminescent features may aid in tracking movement patterns.
A new study shows that southern right whales from remote sub-Antarctic islands have found their way back to New Zealand's mainland, indicating a potential return of this endangered species. The whales' strong 'maternal fidelity' helped them remember ancestral calving grounds, enabling them to migrate and breed in their former habitat.
Humpback whales employ complex feeding maneuvers involving bubble nets to corral and contain planktonic prey. The study reveals novel behaviors such as 'double-loops' and team cooperation, showcasing advanced tool use similar to that of apes.
A decade-long study of apex predators in the Pacific Ocean has found that biological 'hotspots' are essential for the survival of many species. Upwelling areas, triggered by wind-driven mixing, create nutrient-rich waters that support a wide range of marine life.
Researchers at the Smithsonian Institution have found that whale sharks can be gregarious and gather in large numbers to feed on dense patches of fish eggs. The team's DNA barcoding analysis revealed a previously unknown spawning ground for little tunny, a member of the mackerel family.
Researchers at Dalhousie University have found that sperm whales use distinct codas to communicate, with different sounds indicating individual identity and social status. The study also highlights the impact of human pollution on whale communication, which is crucial for their survival in the deep ocean.
Researchers found that bottlenose dolphins and beluga whales accumulate more chemical pollutants when living and feeding in waters near urbanized areas. POPs were detected in the highest concentrations, with PCBs being the most prevalent pollutant.
Researchers tracked over 300 humpback whales and 2 million tons of krill in Wilhelmina Bay, revealing a critical late-season foraging ground for the endangered whales. Climate change is affecting the region, with rapid reduction of sea ice cover impacting krill survival.
Researchers found beaked whales use specific ocean features like salinity and temperature to find their prey, which varies from 400-1000 meters. The study provides evidence of the distribution and feeding habitat of Blaineville's beaked whales relative to ocean features.
Research suggests right whales stay in Gulf of Maine area during spring due to vertical migration of copepods, allowing them to feed below surface. This behavior helps them outcompete herring for food, contradicting earlier thought that declining herring stocks would threaten their population
Researchers found that male humpbacks sing the same mating tune, but with changing patterns over time, spreading across the ocean from west to east. The study revealed cultural transmission on a broad scale, similar to humans, as songs spread between populations in the Pacific Ocean.
Researchers observed killer whales favoring Weddell seals as their primary target despite the availability of other prey species. The study provides insight into the cooperative hunting behavior of killer whales in Antarctic waters.
A WHOI-led research team found that beaked whales respond to naval sonar exercises by ceasing foraging and making slow ascents to the surface. The study suggests that whales may require lower exposure thresholds than current regulations, but appropriate monitoring can reduce the risk of stranding.
New study reveals humpback whale wintering grounds extend throughout Hawaiian Islands and into NWHI, contradicting previous assumptions. The discovery provides insights into the species' migration patterns and geographic expansion.
Researchers discovered that blue whales can consume up to 2,000,000 kJ in a single mouthful of krill, providing 240 times more energy than used during a dive. This efficiency is due to the massive size of their mouths, which allow them to engulf large volumes of food.
A recent study found that most deep-sea animals at Monterey Bay whale falls are not unique to these sites, but rather common in other deep-sea environments. However, certain species, such as Osedax worms and snails, play a crucial role in controlling community development.
Researchers at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution found that ocean acidification would only affect whale hearing by a negligible 2 decibels by 2100. The impact on marine animals relies heavily on natural noise levels, not human-made noise from ships.
Scientists have discovered that whales' feces pump up ocean productivity, increasing phytoplankton growth and secondary productivity. This boost has a significant impact on fisheries, resulting in bigger fisheries and higher fish abundances.
Researchers have developed a new way to peer into the inner workings of proteins and detect specific atoms at work. By analyzing myoglobin's structure and motion, they identified the critical amino acid controlling oxygen binding, with implications for custom-crafted proteins and biotechnologies.
Researchers have found genetic evidence that baleen whales lost their teeth 25 million years ago, a finding that matches the fossil record. The study used genetic analysis to show that a transposable genetic element was inserted into the enamel production gene in the common ancestor of baleen whales.
A team of researchers has developed a simulation to better understand the impact of sound on marine mammals like whales and dolphins. The simulation uses advanced computing and X-ray CT scanners to create a 3D virtual environment, allowing scientists to study the effects of sound on these organisms.
A study by University of Illinois Chicago biologist Jennifer Schmidt found that a female whale shark produced 304 embryos with the same father, suggesting she stores sperm after a single mating event. This finding could indicate that mating occurs as an isolated event rather than in breeding grounds.
Researchers found that blue whales align their pitch with a common value, enabling them to detect tiny shifts in calls. The study analyzed 4,378 recordings of blue whale songs and observed a remarkably small variation in pitch.
Research reveals that North American right whales adjust their calls in response to increased ocean noise levels, maintaining signal-to-noise ratio while incurring costs. This adaptation is crucial for successful communication in a noisy ocean, but its long-term effects on whale behavior and population health remain uncertain.
A study on killer whales and pilot whales reveals a common link with humans in the evolution of menopause. Females in these species become genetically related to those they live with as they get older, leading to a 'grandmother' role that helps ensure group survival.
Researchers discover rapid expansion of salmon farms in Chile's protected National Park, posing a significant threat to native sea lions and the entire ecosystem. The farms' waste, medication, and noise pollution are causing devastating impacts on the region's biodiversity.
Researchers analyzed genetic evidence from 139 killer whales and found clear differences among species in the Antarctic and North Pacific. The study suggests that two types of killer whales are separate species, with additional analysis needed to confirm other possible species.
Researchers at Kiel University discovered fossil whale bones with 0.5mm circular boreholes matching those of living Osedax worms, dating to 30 million years ago. The findings confirm that boneworms are at least 30 million years old and were feeding on whale bones during this period.
A study by Oregon State University scientists has confirmed that whale meat sold at a Los Angeles sushi restaurant came from a sei whale killed in Japan's scientific whaling program. Genetic testing also revealed similar products were sold in Seoul, South Korea, underscoring the ongoing illegal trade of whalemeat products.
Scientists on a research vessel are trawling for prey of sperm whales in the northern Gulf of Mexico to gather data on their feeding ecology. The study will help conserve and protect these endangered large whales by understanding how they utilize their environment.
Researchers at George Mason University and the University of Otago found a strong correlation between diatom diversity and whale species diversity over the last 30 million years. The study suggests that changes in ocean productivity may drive variations in whale fossil records, providing new insights into the evolution of modern whales.
Researchers challenge long-held 3/4-power law of metabolism with new paper, finding support for 2/3 exponent in geometry and network analysis. Empirical evidence from animal studies also aligns with 2/3 exponent, suggesting a potential universal scaling law for metabolism.
A new study by researchers at the University of Michigan found that echolocating bats and whales share a similar molecular mechanism for this ability, overturning conventional thinking on convergence. The research focused on the prestin gene, which plays a crucial role in hearing and amplifying sounds.
Two studies show that bats and toothed whales' echolocation abilities converge in the prestin gene, a hearing gene, leading to similar adaptations. The research suggests that convergence of complex traits like echolocation may be more common than previously thought.
A new study published in Molecular Ecology suggests that minke whale populations are not preventing the recovery of larger whales due to competition for food resources. The research found that genetic diversity within the minke whale population is similar to pre-whaling levels, allowing large whale species to recover.
A recent study published in Molecular Ecology suggests that Antarctic minke whale populations have not increased due to commercial whaling. The research estimates the long-term population size of Antarctic minke whales to be around 670,000 individuals, similar to current estimates from sighting surveys.
Researchers use new acoustic sensors to monitor endangered North Atlantic right whales and reduce ship strikes, a leading cause of their deaths. The tools improve monitoring capabilities and enhance management efforts to protect these whales.
A 25 million-year-old fossil from Australia has provided new insights into the evolution of baleen whales. The discovery confirms Charles Darwin's hypothesis that early whales may have been suction feeders, with a possible precursor to filter-feeding in modern blue whales.
A new method to identify priority areas for whale conservation has been proposed, suggesting that even small protected areas can benefit highly mobile marine predators like killer whales. The research highlights the importance of feeding behavior in conserving endangered southern resident killer whale populations.
Scientists unveil the story of a 4.5 million-year-old whale, shedding light on fossilization and taphonomic processes. The study provides insights into the ecological phases associated with whales in the past.
Scientists at UC San Diego discovered a downward curve in the pitch of blue whale songs across the globe. The decline may be due to an increase in population size, allowing males to sing lower frequency songs that don't need to travel as far.
Researchers have created a method using microphone arrays to estimate bird population density from recorded sounds, which may also be applied to tracking whales and dolphins. This innovative approach eliminates the need for observers to count birds, providing a more accurate index of abundance.
Researchers use X-ray scanners and advanced computing to create detailed replicas of a whale's hearing anatomy. The study suggests mid-frequency sonar sounds are largely filtered, while higher frequencies used by whales for hunting are amplified.
Researchers have discovered up to 15 species of boneworms in Monterey Bay, which feed on dead whales and exhibit unique life cycles. The worms' ability to adapt to different environments and find food sources has led scientists to estimate their evolutionary origins, suggesting they may date back to the time of dinosaurs.
A new initiative aims to sequence the genomes of 10,000 vertebrates, including whales, dolphins, and porpoises, to gain better understanding of species diversity, evolution, and conservation. The project, called Genome 10K, has the potential to revolutionize our knowledge of cetaceans and inform effective conservation strategies.
Researchers have developed a tool to analyze marine mammal calls, finding that whales adjust click intervals to prevent cluttering echoes. This strategy enables groups of whales to explore more efficiently, suggesting a 'polite listener' behavior.
A massive genetic analysis of over 1,500 whale DNA samples has revealed new insights into the population dynamics and relationships of Southern Hemisphere humpback whales. The study provides a detailed understanding of gene flow between populations and highlights the complex interactions within marine ecosystems.
Scientists have recorded the first observations of albatrosses feeding alongside marine mammals at sea. The miniature digital camera attached to four black-browed albatrosses shows them foraging in groups while collecting food for their chicks, and provides the first observation of an albatross feeding with a killer whale.
A comprehensive study sheds light on the origin of whales and dolphins by analyzing morphology, behavior, and genetics of living and fossil relatives. The findings suggest that cetacean ancestors transitioned to water before becoming carnivorous, with a 48-million-year-old semi-aquatic herbivore named Indohyus being a key discovery.
Researchers at the University of Gothenburg have discovered nine new bristleworm species that feed on dead whales, highlighting a previously unknown food source in marine ecosystems. The study reveals these specialized organisms play a significant role in nutrient cycling and ecosystem balance.
Researchers discovered that whale falls create persistent chemosynthetic habitats in surrounding sediment for over seven years. These habitats are comparable to those found at deep-sea cold seeps and hydrothermal vents.
Researchers have discovered that dolphins' flippers exhibit aerodynamic properties similar to modern delta wing aircraft. The study found that swept-back flippers are the most efficient at generating lift, with the bottle nose dolphin's triangular flippers being the most efficient overall.
A new form of unregulated whaling is emerging along Japan and South Korea's coastlines, threatening minke whale stocks. DNA analysis reveals that up to 300 whales may be killed annually through bycatch whaling, equivalent to Japan's scientific whaling program.