Articles tagged with Whales
The discovery of Peregocetus pacificus, an amphibious whale from middle Eocene deposits in Peru, provides evidence of the earliest known quadrupedal whales crossing the South Atlantic from Africa to South America. The fossil specimen reveals webbed feet and terrestrial locomotion abilities, dating back over 40 million years.
Scientists have identified a new subspecies of fin whale in the northern Pacific Ocean using genetic research, highlighting the diversity of marine mammals. The finding reveals that fin whales have been separated for hundreds of thousands of years and can be assigned to their ocean of origin using genetic data.
A new study estimates that the western South Atlantic humpback whale population has grown to 25,000, recovering more quickly than previously thought. The population was depleted to only 450 whales in the early 1900s due to intense whaling pressure.
Researchers develop method to count whales from space, revolutionizing stranding detection in remote areas. The technique provides early insight into whale mortality, enabling rapid response and conservation efforts.
University of Hawaii researchers have captured a groundbreaking video of humpback whales using bubble nets, providing new insights into the fine-scale details of this behavior. The study is part of a larger project investigating causes of a possible decline in humpback whale numbers.
Researchers found that North Atlantic right whale mothers significantly reduce their vocalizations when communicating with their calves, using a quiet, short sound instead of the typical loud 'up call'. This behavior, called acoustic crypsis, helps avoid attracting orcas and sharks, key predators of young whales.
Researchers studied whether mother-calf pairs change their vocalizations to evade predators. The study found that mothers produce a soft, short grunt-like sound to stay in touch with their calves without alerting potential threats. This acoustic communication helps reduce the risk of predation for young calves.
Researchers used drones to take aerial photos of southern right whales, allowing them to calculate body volume and mass without weighing live whales. This innovative method enables new avenues of research into whale physiology and ecology.
Scientists develop a method to estimate whale weight using drone aerial images, opening up new avenues of research on growth, energy requirements and survival. The innovative approach can be used for studying other marine mammals where alternative methods are not feasible.
Cetaceans lost genes for saliva secretion and lung function to adapt to aquatic life. They also shed melatonin production genes, leading to novel sleep patterns where one brain hemisphere stays awake to generate heat as needed.
Researchers used electronic tags to monitor blue and fin whales' feeding behaviors over multiple weeks, providing unprecedented detail about their daily feeding patterns. The study found that both species have similar feeding bout characteristics, with slight differences observed between males and females.
A new beaked whale species, Berardius minimus, has been discovered and confirmed in the waters off Hokkaido. The species exhibits distinct physical characteristics, including a smaller body size, shorter beak, and darker color compared to known species.
Researchers predict blue whales' most likely foraging areas and times using satellite tracking data and environmental factors. The model improves understanding of the species-environment relationship, helping inform population management decisions amid climate change.
Researchers discovered that southern right whale mothers and their calves shelter in noisy surf, staying close and whispering softly less than once per dive to avoid attracting unwanted attention. The pounding waves drowned out the soft calls, providing acoustic cover from killer whales.
A new model predicts blue whale locations based on daily oceanographic data and tagged whale movements. The app will help ship crews and managers avoid collisions with the endangered species along the US West Coast.
Researchers have confirmed that narwhals and belugas can breed successfully, resulting in a male first-generation hybrid with a bizarre set of teeth. The hybrid's diet was found to be different from both species, suggesting a new phenomenon in the Arctic ecosystem.
Researchers discovered two distinct subspecies of short-finned pilot whales in the Indian and Pacific Oceans, separated by the eastern Pacific Ocean. The study, published in Molecular Ecology, used genetic analysis to verify the findings, revealing that continents may not have been as significant a barrier to this species' evolution.
Scientists discover that rapid warming in the Gulf of Maine's depths is changing food availability and increasing risk to North Atlantic right whales. The study reveals that climate-driven changes are rippling throughout the ecosystem, making conservation efforts challenging.
Additive mortality events from human activities led to weaker social associations, reduced group size, and increased survival probability, ultimately resulting in a significant population decline. The study found that 98 individuals failed to re-associate in stable social groups after the event.
Researchers discovered that whales and elephants have evolved to beat cancer through unique genetic mechanisms. By studying the genomes of humpback whales and other cetaceans, scientists found evidence of faster-evolving parts of the genome that help these animals adapt to their environment.
Researchers have discovered that Araguaian river dolphins use hundreds of different sounds to communicate with each other, including short calls for mother-child interaction and longer whistles for maintaining distance. The unique acoustic characteristics of these sounds may have evolved to avoid echoes in their aquatic habitat.
Researchers have uncovered an ancient four-legged whale named Peregocetus pacificus, dated to 42.6 million years ago, with a mix of terrestrial and aquatic adaptations. The discovery supports the hypothesis that early cetaceans migrated from Africa to South America across the South Atlantic.
Researchers analyzed oxygen isotope signatures from whale barnacle shells to reconstruct ancient migration patterns. The study found consistent seasonal variations in oxygen isotopes, mirroring modern whale migration patterns and suggesting that baleen whales have retained their migratory routes for over 270,000 years.
A new study reveals that fossilized barnacles can serve as a proxy for the migrations of whales in the distant past. Oxygen isotope ratios in barnacle shells change with ocean conditions, allowing scientists to chart the migration routes of whales.
Scientists used fossil and modern whale barnacles to reconstruct the movements of ancient humpback and grey whales. The study found that summer-breeding and winter-feeding migrations have been a consistent part of these whales' way of life for hundreds of thousands of years.
A study of a single male narwhal found that it spends over half its time diving to depths of over 700m in search of halibut, cod, and squid. The whale can also last for several days without eating, using stored energy reserves.
An international team of scientists discovered a new species of killer whale, Type D, off the coast of Cape Horn, Chile. Genetic samples collected will help determine whether this animal is indeed new to science.
A recent study reveals that sonar disturbs the feeding behavior of blue whales, especially in deep patches of krill. The researchers tracked the whales' movements using suction tags and found that they stop feeding when sonar signals are present, but often resume soon after.
Researchers found that blue whales align their migration timing with historical averages of krill production, rather than responding to current prey patches. This suggests that blue whales rely on memory to locate stable, high-quality foraging sites, which could make adaptation to climate change more difficult.
Researchers found that blue whales' migration patterns are driven by the timing of spring phytoplankton blooms and their ability to remember stable foraging sites. This allows them to optimize food tracking and forage in areas with higher long-term productivity.
A new study reveals Cuvier's beaked whales dive up to 1,400 meters, lasting about an hour, with brief recovery times. The findings provide a baseline for studying their reactions to sonar and offer insights into the species' remarkable diving capability.
Researchers monitored southern resident killer whale population and found that males dive deeper and are more successful hunters than females. The team tracked the animals' movements and diving patterns using archival tags to estimate how much fish they capture, revealing sex differences in foraging activity.
Researchers found that beaked whales prefer areas with dense patches of deep-sea squid, which are essential for their survival. In contrast, nearby sonar-free areas lack these prey hotspots, making it difficult for the whales to obtain enough food to survive.
Researchers discovered that humpback whales singing at subarctic feeding areas produce complex, progressive songs similar to those found at tropical breeding grounds. The study suggests that these whales may be capable of opportunistic mating and song exchange in overwintering sites.
A study by Otago researcher Dr Carolina Loch and colleagues has shed new light on the evolution of modern baleen whales' ancestors, revealing complex enamel structures in their teeth. The research suggests that these ancestral whales had a mix of mammalian and whale-like characteristics.
A new health check has been developed to discover the diets, migrations, and conservation needs of whale sharks. The research revealed that some whale sharks may have gone weeks or months without eating, and surprisingly, all tested showed signs of eating plants and algae.
Researchers have discovered that fin whales may live in the Gulf of California year-round, with a resident population estimated to be between 100 and 700 individuals. The study suggests that the gulf provides an ideal habitat for the whales, allowing them to exploit a rich food source and potentially breed and calve.
The stomach contents of Basilosaurus isis suggest it preyed upon smaller whales like Dorudon atrox. Fish remains also indicate that the ancient whale actively hunted its prey rather than scavenging.
Researchers found that humpback whale populations in the South Atlantic and Indian Oceans share similar song types, with males from different populations coming into contact to learn songs from each other. Over time, shared phrases and themes emerged, with similarities detected across years.
Scientists have discovered that humpback whales retain tooth germs until late in gestation, a surprising finding that sheds new light on the evolutionary transformation of these marine mammals. This discovery was made possible by advanced CT scanning technology and provides valuable insights into the development of whale anatomy.
A study by Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution found that short-finned pilot whales off the coast of Hawai'i have distinct vocal dialects. The discovery may help researchers better understand the whales' social behavior and conservation needs.
A new study reveals degradation of local coral reef ecosystem in Tan-awan, Oslob, due to intensive whale shark tourism. The research highlights the need for proper management strategies to mitigate reef degradation and promote sustainable tourism.
A 180-million-year-old ichthyosaur fossil has yielded surprisingly well-preserved soft tissues, including skin that retains some of its original pliability. The study reveals the presence of blubber under the skin, similar to modern whales and sea turtles.
Scientists have discovered an ancient whale that lacked teeth and baleen, revealing a surprising intermediate step in the evolution of this innovative feeding strategy. The newly described fossil, Maiabalaena nesbittae, lived about 33 million years ago and likely had strong cheeks and a retractable tongue.
A 33-million-year-old fossil whale named Maiabalaena from Oregon had neither teeth nor baleen, challenging previous assumptions about the evolutionary origin of these structures. The discovery provides new insights into the feeding habits of early whales and sheds light on the complex evolution of whale species.
Baleen whales experienced chronic stress from whaling, ship noise, and sea-surface temperature changes over nearly 150 years. Cortisol levels peaked in the 1960s during whaling's peak and remained high after WWII, indicating a persistent impact of human activities.
Researchers discovered the hierarchical structure of whale baleen contributes to its unique fracture behavior. The nanoscale structure increases stiffness and strength, while microscale tubular lamellae control crack propagation, making it an ideal material for marine applications.
Humpback whales have been observed feeding on krill in the Mediterranean, with experts predicting an increase in sightings due to changes in climate and temperature. The species migrates from the poles to the Equator to reproduce, and recent studies suggest that food availability is a key factor in their presence in the region.
Researchers analyzed 24 captive killer whales' personality traits using the five-factor model, finding similarities with both humans and chimpanzees. The study suggests that complex social interactions may require certain personality traits.
Whales and dolphins use a narrow beam of high intensity sound to find food in dark or murky waters; size affects the ability to focus this sense.
Researchers found that preserving the lives of adult females in the North Atlantic right whale population is crucial for promoting population growth and recovery. Most deaths are attributed to entanglement in fishing gear and collisions with ships, highlighting the need for conservation efforts to protect these animals.
Researchers analyzed rake marks on over 3000 humpback whale tails and found that attacks by orcas are on the rise. The study suggests that young whales are primary targets, with scarred females showing a higher reproductive success rate.
The Orcasound project has developed a web application that enables citizen scientists to listen to livestreaming audio from hydrophones, complementing computer algorithms in analyzing data. The app aims to bring synergy between human listeners and sophisticated algorithms, saving audio data to online cloud storage for later analysis.
Researchers have successfully detected and described four whale species using detailed satellite imagery, providing a cost-effective method for monitoring population changes and behavior. The study identifies key inaccessible whale populations that can benefit from satellite-based tracking.
Researchers studied 34 right whale mother-calf pairs from 2011 to 2015, discovering that near-surface resting behavior increases the risk of ship strikes and low call-rates may be a defense mechanism. The study's findings emphasize the need for improved protection measures to prevent extinction
A study found that male humpback whales reduce or cease singing in areas with high human shipping noise. The authors suggest that ceasing vocalization and moving away may be cost-effective adaptations to avoid the noise.
University of Cincinnati biology professor Takuya Konishi proposes that mosasaurs hunted like killer whales by ramming their prey with their snouts. The young Tylosaurus mosasaur found in Kansas had a similar facial structure to orcas, with a protruding snout and robust cranial vault.
A new study found that while polar bears relied on whale carcasses in the past, this resource will not be enough to sustain most bear populations in the future due to climate change. The Arctic is expected to become ice-free by 2040, making it difficult for bears to find alternative food sources.
A new study published in the journal Science reveals that killer whale populations are severely affected by PCBs, with over half of studied populations showing significant declines. The research predicts that these populations may disappear within 30-50 years if current levels of pollution persist.
A new study models the impact of PCBs on killer whale populations, finding that high concentrations in key regions could lead to collapse within a century. The model simulates accumulation and transfer of the chemical to offspring, tying population size and sustainability to proximity to PCB production.