Articles tagged with Whales
A new study by Duke University finds that deep-diving whales confuse plastic debris with prey items, as its acoustic signature mimics squid. Researchers tested various types of plastic trash and found strong similarities in their acoustic signals compared to whale prey, highlighting the need for more sustainable materials.
A new study reveals a significant correlation between the decline of jumbo squid and the disappearance of sperm whales from the region. The research suggests that sperm whales play a crucial role in controlling energy flow within marine ecosystems, highlighting their importance as indicators of oceanic health.
Researchers used drone footage to study gray whales' foraging behaviors, finding that younger whales use forward swimming while older whales headstand. The study also revealed that bubble blasts help regulate buoyancy while feeding in shallow water.
Researchers analyzed DNA in fecal samples to determine the diet of Alaska and southern resident killer whales. They found that both populations prefer salmon, but differ in when they switch to hunting other fish species. The study provides key insights into the delicate balance between regional abundance of different fish species.
Underwater noise pollution from human activities significantly impacts the ability of orcas to hunt successfully in the Salish Sea. The study found that increased ambient noise levels, particularly around vessel propellers, interfere with echolocation behavior and hunting efforts. This hindrance affects females more than males, potenti...
Researchers found that cetaceans' backbones are highly regionalized, with a shift in vertebral column driving locomotion in aquatic environments. The team developed a computational software, MorphoRegions, to analyze the backbone of each specimen individually.
A new study on baleen whales explores genetic adaptations for survival and size, shedding light on the risks and opportunities for their survival. Genes linked to immunity, ageing, movement, and reproduction were highlighted, providing insights into the evolution of these diverse whale species over 50 million years.
Brooke Flammang's Fluid Loco Lab at NJIT will develop non-invasive tag attachment technology for near real-time tracking of North Atlantic right whales. The project aims to improve conservation and regulation policy decisions with accurate predictions on whale distribution and habitat use.
Researchers discovered that solitary humpback whales in SE Alaska craft complex bubble nets to catch krill, allowing them to capture up to seven times more prey without extra energy. This behavior sheds light on how migratory humpback whales consume enough calories to traverse the Pacific Ocean.
A team analyzed 45 zooarchaeological remains and compared findings with contemporary data to assess the effect of sustained subsistence harvests on beluga genetic diversity, population structuring, and foraging ecology. The study found no significant changes in genetic diversity or population structuring over time.
Researchers detected a 24-hour cycle of diving during the spring, with whales swimming deepest in the afternoon to track prey. Two bowhead whales were found to dive in synchrony over a week at a time, even when separated by up to 100 km.
A new study has found that tracking and disposing of whale remains offshore can have significant ecological benefits, including retaining nutrients within the marine ecosystem. The research used a 14m humpback whale as a test subject and successfully predicted its drift trajectory, allowing for more effective management of whale remains.
Researchers found that Pacific Coast Feeding Group gray whales, a subset of the Eastern North Pacific population, have been getting smaller since around 2000. This decline could have major consequences for their health and reproductive success, and also raises alarm bells about the state of the food web.
Researchers found a universal equation that approximates the frequency of wingbeats and fin strokes across different animal groups. The equation shows a proportional relationship between body mass, wing area, and wingbeat frequency, revealing a relatively constant pattern across diverse species.
Scientists from the University of East Anglia and other institutions review the climatic effectiveness of four 'nature-based' techniques using marine biological processes. They conclude that these activities cannot provide a significant contribution to carbon dioxide removal, posing risks to meaningful climate mitigation.
The study reveals that Antarctic minke whales switch companions frequently, forming short-term associations and engaging in both foraging and non-foraging activities. Larger individuals tend to socialize more, and this interaction correlates with reduced feeding efforts.
Harbor porpoises spend up to 60% of their day hunting small fish to stay warm in cold waters. New research shows that this strategy makes them more vulnerable to noise from motor boats and disturbances from humans.
A new study predicts that future climate change will disrupt humpback whales' krill-heavy diet, as their primary prey item Antarctic krill becomes less abundant. The research found that all tested whale populations relied on Antarctic krill, which is essential for their migratory lifestyle.
A recent study by Oregon State University reveals that a surge in purple sea urchins is devastating kelp forests, reducing zooplankton populations and impacting the primary prey of gray whales. This cascading effect affects the top predator, causing them to spend less time foraging in the affected area.
A new method of determining sperm whale communication reveals that groups living in close proximity develop similar vocal styles, indicating social learning between neighbouring clans. The study provides evidence for the existence of social learning in sperm whales.
Researchers have identified heavily used shipping lanes that pass through crucial whale shark feeding grounds, posing a threat to this endangered species. Targeted measures, such as reducing ship speed, could help minimize the impact on the shipping industry while protecting whale sharks.
A young sperm whale's long-range migration across the Mediterranean poses significant threats to its survival due to busy straits and pollution. The study demonstrates the need for targeted protection at key locations to safeguard marine life in the region.
A University of California - Riverside study finds that medium-sized dogs have a higher risk of developing cancer than larger or smaller breeds. The multistage model of cancer acquisition supports this finding, suggesting that size is a major risk factor for cancer.
Researchers used newly analyzed data to predict and help avoid whales' harmful exposure to commercial fishing and vessel strikes. The study mapped the density of one of the most endangered large whale species worldwide, the North Atlantic right whale.
Researchers found that human-made noise reduces whales' ability to hear acoustic communication, generates an avoidance response, and lowers detection of environmental cues. This can lead to increased journey time or failure to arrive at destinations.
New research at Hokkaido University reveals that acoustic fat bodies in toothed whales were once jaw muscles and bone marrow. The findings suggest an evolutionary tradeoff between auditory and feeding ecology, leading to the loss of chewing muscles and adaptation to echolocation.
Two well-known killer whale ecotypes in the North Pacific Ocean have been identified as separate species through genetic and behavioral evidence. The resident and Bigg's killer whales have distinct physical characteristics, diets, and cultural habits, justifying their recognition as distinct species.
Scientists from Project CETI have developed suction cups inspired by clingfish to attach to sperm whales without causing harm. The new design has shown promise in withstanding the forces of a swimming whale and will be tested on sperm whales in Dominica.
Researchers simultaneously tagged many humpback whales from the same pod to analyze their vocalization and compare individual calls. This study provides new information about whale behavior and communication, crucial for informing future conservation efforts.
A recent study found humpback whale entanglements in BC fish farms are extremely rare, with only eight instances over 13 years. Young whales' curiosity may be a contributing factor, according to researchers.
Researchers studied a subpopulation of transient killer whales that prey on marine mammals in the open ocean. They found two distinct foraging behaviors: independent diving and coordinated groups hunting along submarine canyons.
A major new study has taken a stocktake of blue whale populations worldwide, identifying significant genetic differences among eastern Pacific, Antarctic subspecies, and pygmy subspecies. The research also found no evidence of inbreeding, but highlights ongoing human threats such as climate change, pollution, and shipping.
A new study at Georgia Aquarium reveals belugas have big caloric needs to maintain their cold-water lifestyle, limiting their ability to escape human disturbances. The data will inform management decisions for Cook Inlet belugas and help create predictive energy models to evaluate the impact of human activities.
Female whales of certain species experience menopause, living up to 40 years longer than their peers by prioritizing family care over breeding. This unique trait allows them to support their offspring and grandchildren without overlap with their daughters' reproductive cycles.
A new study published in Proceedings B of the Royal Society found that every injury from rope entanglements impacts North Atlantic right whale population recovery. Modelling data shows female whales who get tangled in fishing gear are less likely to calve, potentially leading to extinction.
Researchers observed an individual orca, nicknamed Starboard, killing a 2.5-meter juvenile great white shark within two minutes. The study challenges conventional cooperative hunting behaviors among killer whales, providing new insights into their predatory dynamics and potential impact on marine ecosystems.
A new analysis of Perucetus colossus, a 30 million year-old fossil whale, estimates its weight to be between 60-70 tons, significantly less than the original estimate of 180 metric tons. This revised size allows the whale to maintain neutral buoyancy in water and come to the surface to breathe.
Scientists studied thousands of public photos to track humpback whale populations, finding they're responding to food availability changes affected by climate change. The population declined by 7,000 individuals from 2012 to 2021 due to a massive marine heatwave and reduced prey.
Researchers tracked bowhead whale migrations using acoustic data, revealing shifts in winter departure times and increased summer presence in the Chukchi Sea. Climate-driven changes may push whales into shipping lanes, posing risks to both humans and animals.
Baleen whales developed novel larynx structures to produce low-frequency vocalizations, but these adaptations limit their communication range. Human-made noise masks their voices, reducing their ability to communicate over vast distances.
Researchers analyzed tissue and fecal samples from 90 stranded marine mammals to study the distribution of toxic elements. The study found that Risso's dolphins and short-finned pilot whales had high concentrations of mercury, cadmium, and lead, while dwarf sperm whales had low levels.
A population of Baird's beaked whales has been found in shallow water near the coast, deviating from the typical deep-sea habitat. The study suggests that social learning plays a role in their behavior, with individuals following peers to discover valuable resources.
Research reveals humpback whales shift their daily singing patterns away from shore, returning to nearshore in the evening to minimize interference. This dynamic behavior may help increase the efficiency of their acoustic display.
Researchers at State University of Campinas discovered genes favoring colossal growth in whales also inhibit cancer development. The study found that certain regulatory regions influence both size and cancer suppression, offering new insights into the evolution of cetacean gigantism.
A new study published in Palaeontologia Electronica shows the Megalodon was more slender than earlier studies suggested, changing our understanding of its behavior and impact on ancient ocean life. The revised model suggests a longer digestive canal, potentially leading to less predation pressure on other marine creatures.
Researchers at Museums Victoria Research Institute uncover evidence that giant baleen whales evolved first in the Southern Hemisphere around 20 million years ago. This finding disrupts previous theories and highlights the importance of the Australian fossil record in shaping our understanding of whale evolution.
Researchers found that commercial ship noise completely masks Cook Inlet beluga whales' most commonly used calls, compromising their critical communication. The study documents the complex vocal repertoire of the population and provides a quantified measure of masking by ship noise on their communication.
A new study found that killer whales' diets, rather than location, are more important for pollutant exposure. The research analyzed blubber samples from 162 North Atlantic killer whales and discovered varying diet compositions caused striking differences in contaminant concentrations.
Two ancient species of whales, the North Atlantic right whale and the grey whale, disappeared from European waters centuries before industrial whaling began. Archaeological analysis of 719 whale bones reveals that early whaling had a devastating impact on these species.
New research reveals that endangered whales and dolphins inhabit the Hellenic Trench off Greece year-round, challenging seismic surveys and oil and gas exploration. The study confirms the presence of four species, including sperm whales, in both summer and winter, highlighting the need for conservation measures.
Rising Arctic temperatures are causing a mass migration of zooplankton, which Pacific right whales rely on for food. This shift is also drawing industrial fishing fleets northward, increasing the risk of ship collisions and gear entanglements.
A new genomic study reveals that whaling in the 20th century destroyed 99% of the Eastern North Pacific fin whale breeding population, but genetic diversity remains high enough to support conservation efforts. The study's findings highlight the importance of enforcing the international whaling ban to aid fin whale recovery.
Eastern North Pacific gray whales experience extreme population swings due to changing Arctic Ocean conditions. Long-term monitoring data reveals a bumpy ride in response to variable ocean conditions.
A study of 162 killer whales found that their diet played a significant role in contaminant levels and potential health risks. The researchers analyzed the animals' diets and found striking differences in legacy and emerging contaminant concentrations across the North Atlantic.
A genetic study has decoded the lineage of 'Old Tom,' a famous killer whale in Australia, and found ancestral connections to modern-day New Zealand orcas. The research also reveals that the killer whales of Eden may have become extinct locally due to a lack of shared DNA with other killer whales globally.
Researchers at Hokkaido University report the discovery of a stranded ginkgo-toothed beaked whale from Southern Hokkaido, revealing new insights into the species' distribution and ecology. The finding expands the species' known range to include colder waters of the North Pacific.
A study from Oregon State University found that commercial whaling in the 20th century led to a loss of maternal DNA lineages among blue and humpback whales, potentially resulting in cultural memory loss. Whale populations near South Georgia Island have begun to recover, but the genetic diversity remains low.
Researchers analyzed 78 documented incidents of porpoise harassment by Southern Resident killer whales from 1962 to 2020. The study suggests three plausible explanations: mismothering behavior, limited opportunities to care for young due to malnutrition, and a specialized salmon diet that makes eating porpoises highly unlikely.
Researchers found that humpback whales worldwide were observed rolling with and playing in clumps of kelp and seaweed at the water's surface. The behavior may serve benefits in ectoparasite removal, skin treatment, and socializing.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that 72% of US-managed cetacean and pinniped stocks are highly or very highly vulnerable to climate change. The researchers used a trait-based climate vulnerability assessment framework to evaluate the impacts on marine mammals.