Articles tagged with Whales
Recent advances in genetics have revolutionized whale research, revealing surprising tales of population sizes. Marine biologist Steve Palumbi's work has sparked controversy, but also led to a deeper understanding of humpback whales' population history, estimated at 1.5 million before commercial whaling.
Researchers use underwater microphones to track whales' songs and calls in the North Atlantic, finding evidence of long-distance communication over thousands of miles. The findings suggest whales have acoustic memories analogous to visual memories, guiding their movements and distribution.
Researchers isolated compounds from whale blubber and used radiocarbon analysis to determine their source. The findings suggest that natural products also accumulate in animals, challenging the assumption that only industrial compounds do so.
Three scientists say current sanctuary plan lacks scientific basis, fails to consider migratory whale behavior and other threats. Refined conservation program using Revised Management Procedure (RMP) would be more effective in protecting whale populations.
Researchers propose that whales and hippos share a common water-loving ancestor 50-60 million years ago, which evolved into two distinct groups. The study reconciles the fossil record with molecular evidence, providing a new understanding of whale evolution.
The study aims to understand the complex linkages between environmental change, whale population dynamics, and human societies in Alaska's Arctic ecosystem. Collaborators will investigate climate variability, ice reduction, and its impact on local whaling practices and global commerce.
Research found lesions on sperm whale bones increase with age and size, suggesting chronic decompression damage. Nitrogen gas bubbles from sonar or seismic survey guns may cause acute problems in whales.
Krill populations in Antarctica have declined dramatically, with an 80% drop since the 1970s, primarily due to warming and reduced sea-ice. This decline has significant implications for commercial fisheries and the region's unique wildlife, which rely on krill as a food source.
Researchers have described the pattern of brain evolution in dolphins for the first time, revealing a significant increase in brain size relative to body size over 47 million years. This change is believed to be linked to changes in social ecology and the emergence of echolocation abilities.
Researchers studied fossil whales and found significant changes in their ear anatomy, which enabled them to transition from a land-based to a marine-based existence. The new sound transmission system allowed modern cetaceans to locate prey using echolocation, making it crucial for survival.
Researchers find two new species of worm that feed on whale bones, using symbiotic bacteria to digest fats and oils. The worms, Osedax frankpressi and Osedax rubiplumus, are closely related to hydrothermal vent worms and have unique features such as feathery plumes and green roots.
Researchers studied beaked whale responses to sound frequencies and decibel levels, revealing overestimated deep water impacts and new insights into shallow water reverberations. The study aims to improve safety guidelines for seismic operations in U.S. waters.
A team of scientists has successfully achieved the first live births of killer whales through artificial insemination. The study, led by Dr. Todd R. Robeck, used genome resource banking and artificial insemination to store sperm from male orcas for later use. This breakthrough may help maintain genetic diversity in captive marine mammals.
Researchers found that humpback whale flippers with tubercles exhibit nearly 8% better lift properties and 32% lower drag than sleek flipper designs. The study's findings have implications for improving airplane wing aerodynamics and reducing fuel consumption during flight.
Climate changes impact North Atlantic right whales by affecting zooplankton abundance, a crucial food source. Warmer conditions in the Gulf of Maine boost copepod populations, leading to improved reproductive success.
Research reveals that the removal of great whales from the North Pacific Ocean led to a domino effect of ecosystem impacts. Killer whales preyed on other marine mammals, causing devastating effects on ecosystems.
A study by geneticists from Stanford and Harvard Universities reveals that humpback, fin, and minke whale populations in the North Atlantic were much higher before commercial hunting. The researchers estimated that there were around 800,000 to 900,000 whales, contradicting previous whaling records.
A 3,360-acre marine protected area has been established off Belize's southeastern coast to safeguard the region's highest priority area for conservation. The area is home to over 25 reef fish species and is a key spawning ground for the endangered whale shark.
Researchers found that every slice of toothed whale red meat exceeded Japan's mercury limit, with some samples containing almost 200 times the maximum value. Mercury levels were higher in whales caught off the southern coast of Japan.
Scientists find that northern right whales in Grand Manan Basin are exposed to substantial amounts of paralytic shellfish poisoning toxins, which can cause chronic impairment and death. The toxins may affect diving capabilities, leading to poorer condition, reduced calving rates, and increased susceptibility to disease.
A new test for cyanobacteria toxins in freshwater systems could simplify testing, but results show the survival probability of female northern right whales is declining. The model suggests that preventing two female deaths per year could prevent extinction by 2202, with only about 300 northern right whales remaining.
Researchers discovered that fin whales sing low-frequency songs during krill feasts, which could be hampered by human-made noise. The study suggests that human activities like sonar and shipping may interfere with whale communication and reproduction, threatening population recovery.
Researchers have found that blue whales travel rapidly from one feeding area to another and continue to feed throughout the year. These blue whales move fast, adapting to survive events like El Nino by moving to high-productivity areas quickly.
Researchers studied right whales' feeding grounds, finding they use prior experience, environmental cues, and tactile clues to locate dense zooplankton patches. This understanding may help address the decline of North Atlantic right whale populations by revealing key mechanisms for their survival.
A new specialty license plate will fund whale research in Florida waters, with $25 registration fees going towards conservation efforts. The license plate will be unveiled at a ceremony in Destin, Florida, on October 17th and is expected to raise funds for whale-related research and conservation.
A new report on primitive whales found in Pakistan provides well-preserved ankle bones, allowing scientists to change their conclusions on closest relatives. The findings unify the scientific perspective on whale evolution, supporting a closer relationship between cetaceans and artiodactyls.
New fossils found in Pakistan have revealed a close kinship between whales and hippos, with the discovery of artiodactyl ankles suggesting that hippos may be a side line of artiodactyls. The findings, published in Science, use immunological, molecular, and genetic techniques to explore relationships among groups of animals.
Researchers are collecting data on the behavior of Puget Sound's orca whales using novel tools such as a small radio-controlled catamaran and a fish finder. The study suggests that the whales are declining due to a drop in salmon runs and increasing contamination from PCBs.
Historical records show that humans exploited coastal resources thousands of years ago, leading to the decline of top predators and smaller species. Wise management strategies, such as restoring native oysters and promoting aquaculture, can help conserve water quality and create habitats for fish and shellfish.
A female Northern Right Whale has been tracked every step of her journey between northern feeding grounds and southern breeding grounds using a satellite tracking tag sponsored by the Office of Naval Research. The successful tracking demonstrates a critical tool in the conservation efforts of this endangered species.
A Texas A&M University research team is counting Bowhead whales in the Okhotsk Sea to estimate their population size and understand the impact on the ecosystem. By using photo identification and genetic testing, researchers hope to gather information on the whales' feeding behavior and determine if their food supply is dwindling.
Scientists have identified a new species of right whale in the North Pacific Ocean, which is genetically distinct from other populations. The discovery was made using DNA analysis of historical specimens and suggests that there may be fewer than 300 individuals remaining in this population.
Researchers analyze three whale species to assess their recovery status and develop novel approaches to understanding decline. The study highlights the difficulties in determining when a population has recovered, emphasizing the need for data-driven conservation policy.
Researchers found that tiny mussels on whale bones and wood fragments are closely related to giant vent mussels, suggesting they could be evolutionary intermediates. The study suggests rotting whales may provide a missing link between vent and shallow-water mussel species.
Researchers analyzing humpback whale calls with information theory claim the animals may have a hierarchical grammar. The study measured entropy in the songs, finding predictable sequences of sounds that hint at complex communication.
Killer whales have begun preying on sea otters in western Alaska, leading to a decline in sea otter populations and an increase in sea urchin numbers. This chain of events is linked to the collapse of seals and sea lions, which are the killer whales' usual prey.
Researchers attribute sharp declines in sea otter numbers to killer whale predation, linked to changes in oceanic and nearshore ecosystems. The study highlights the impact of ecological chain reactions on coastal food webs and species populations.
Penn State researchers develop a finite difference method to simulate sonic boom noise for both simple and complex ocean surfaces. The new technique allows for accurate predictions of underwater noise, paving the way for the development of supersonic passenger aircraft with minimal impact on marine life.
A Cornell University team found no overt response from humpback whales to the Acoustic Thermometry of Ocean Climate (ATOC) simulation sounds in Hawaiian waters. The whales swam normally near the underwater speakers, with some even singing close to the speaker.