A bigger nose, a bigger bang: Size matters for ecoholocating toothed whales
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.
Whales
Articles tagged with Whales
Humpback whales arrive in the Mediterranean to feed themselves
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.
Protecting adult female North Atlantic right whales from injury and death key to recovery
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.
First study of humpback whale survivors of orca attacks in the Southeastern Pacific
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.
Orcasound: A citizen science tool for whale research
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.
Watching whales from space
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.
Biologists gain new insights into surface, acoustic behaviors of endangered right whales
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
Male humpback whales change their songs when human noise is present
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.
Did mosasaurs hunt like killer whales?
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.
Polar bears gorged on whales to survive past warm periods; won't suffice as climate warms
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.
PCB pollution threatens to wipe out killer whales
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.
The persistent killer of killer whales
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.
Aerial survey reveals great diversity & abundance in NE Canyons Marine National Monument
The Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument is a critical hotspot of biodiversity, with an aerial survey revealing over 600 animal sightings in just four hours. The monument's protected resource status is under review by the Trump administration.
Beluga whales and narwhals go through menopause
Researchers discovered that beluga whales and narwhals undergo menopause, mirroring killer whales' behavior. This reproductive strategy may have evolved due to increased relatedness among family members and the need for older females to contribute to group survival through knowledge sharing.
UB psychologist proposes whales use song as sonar
Humpback whale songs may be used for echolocation, allowing singers to analyze their surroundings and locate other whales. This challenges the long-held assumption that whale songs are primarily used for reproductive purposes, instead suggesting a more complex cognitive process at play.
Satellite tracking reveals Philippine waters are important for endangered whale sharks
A new study tracked juvenile whale sharks across the Philippines, emphasizing the importance of the archipelago for the species. The study found that all tagged whale sharks stayed within the Philippines, with one individual traveling over 2,500 km through the Sulu and Bohol Seas.
Hormonal data in breath from whales interpreted for health indicators
Researchers successfully quantify hormone levels in whale breath for the first time, providing a new non-invasive method to study whale health. The technique allows for rapid and short-term acute responses to stressors, such as entanglement hazards and vessel strikes.
Large-scale whaling in north Scandinavia may date back to 6th century
Researchers from Uppsala University have discovered evidence of large-scale whaling in north Scandinavia dating back to the mid-6th century CE. The production of whalebone gaming pieces reveals a regular supply of whalebone was needed, indicating extensive whaling practices.
Narwhals' acoustic behavior described using audio tagging
Researchers recorded narwhals in East Greenland, capturing six hours of audio that revealed three types of sounds: clicks, buzzes, and calls. The study found that narwhals produce buzzes at greater depths than clicks, and that a particular fjord had high buzzing rates, suggesting a preferred feeding area.
Threatened whales and dolphins recognize predatory killer whales from their alarming calls
Researchers discovered that pilot whales and Risso's dolphins can recognize the alarming calls of killer whales, leading to evasive actions such as fleeing. The team found unique features in the distressing calls that are not present in other whale species or human screams, suggesting a warning system for potential victims.
Doing right by the whales
A new study urges a more proactive conservation management strategy for North Atlantic right whales due to declining calf births and shifting distribution. Researchers recommend expanding protective policies to cover their new habitat range and implementing advanced monitoring programs.
Research reveals secret to whale shark hotspots
The study found that whale sharks congregate at specific locations with unique characteristics, such as steep slopes and upwelling of plankton and krill. These areas provide ideal conditions for the filter-feeding sharks to search for food in deep water and warm shallows.
Impact of fishing gear entanglement deduced from whale hormone levels
Researchers developed a novel hormone analysis technique to measure the effects of fishing gear entanglement on North Atlantic right whales. The study found that entanglement can cause severe stress responses, starvation, and changes in migration patterns.
Study shows New Zealand has its own population of blue whales
A new study found that blue whales frequenting the South Taranaki Bight in New Zealand are part of a locally distinct population. Researchers used hydrophones and biopsies to determine genetic differences, estimating a minimum abundance of 718 individuals.
Diverse and abundant megafauna documented at new Atlantic US Marine National Monument
Scientists documented dozens of dolphins and pilot whales, as well as rare Sowerby's beaked whales, endangered sperm whales, and giant ocean sunfish. The aerial survey revealed an incredible abundance of marine life in the Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument.
Fossil find solves questions around baleen whale evolution
A 34-million-year-old fossil discovery in Antarctica has provided significant insights into the evolution of baleen whales. The ancient whale, Llanocetus denticrenatus, had well-developed teeth and gums instead of baleen, suggesting a transition from biting to filter feeding occurred over time.
Ancient skull shows early 'baleen whale' had teeth
A 34-million-year-old whale skull from Antarctica reveals early whales didn't have baleen, but instead used teeth to bite large prey. The discovery provides a rare window into the earliest phase of filter feeding evolution.
Whale shark logs longest-recorded trans-Pacific migration
Researchers tracked a female whale shark's 20,142 km migration from eastern Pacific to western Indo-Pacific, the longest recorded migration. The study provides new insights into whale shark migration patterns and conservation efforts.
Killer whale genetics raise inbreeding questions
A new genetic analysis reveals that two male whales fathered over half of the calves born since 1990, indicating inbreeding in the Southern Resident killer whale population. The limited breeding number reduces the population's resilience to change, potentially compromising individual animals' survival.
Researchers use 'environmental DNA' to identify killer whales in Puget Sound
A new study has found that researchers can detect killer whales in Puget Sound by analyzing environmental DNA (eDNA) in water samples. The eDNA persists for up to two hours after the whales have passed through, providing a potential game-changing advance in whale tracking and identification.
Scientists use rocket scanner to learn how whales hear
Researchers used a rocket scanner to take the first whole-body CT scan of a minke whale, revealing insights on whale communication. The team modeled how whales hear low-frequency sounds using custom-developed computer simulation tools.
Bottlenose dolphins recorded for the first time in Canadian Pacific waters
A large group of common bottlenose dolphins was recorded in Canadian Pacific waters, the first confirmed occurrence in this area. The sighting suggests that these warm-water species may naturally range into British Columbia, Canada when conditions are suitable due to warming trend.
New species of ancient whale identified and named by Otago paleontologists
University of Otago researchers identify and name a new genus of extinct baleen whale from New Zealand's Hakataramea Valley, dating back 27.5 million years. The Toipahautea waitaki was found with diagnostic earbones preserved, suggesting it fed like modern-day minke whales.
UEA research paints underwater pictures with sound
Researchers at UEA are using silent marine robots to record underwater sounds, providing valuable information on sea-surface wind speed and monitoring storms. The robots can also eavesdrop on marine life, such as whales and dolphins, and detect human activities like marine traffic and seismic surveys.
The blue whale genome reveals the animals' extraordinary evolutionary history
The study found that rorquals have been hybridizing during their evolutionary history, with genetic barriers between species seemingly non-existent. This rare phenomenon, called sympatric speciation, has significant implications for our understanding of biodiversity.
Like human societies, whales value culture and family ties
A genetic kinship study of beluga whales reveals they return to the same locations year after year, inheriting migration routes from mother to calf. This demonstrates philopatry and cultural behavior in whales, challenging our understanding of non-primate societies.
Bowhead whales, the 'jazz musicians' of the Arctic, sing many different songs
A University of Washington study analyzed audio recordings from bowhead whales, finding a diverse repertoire of over 184 different songs. The whales' singing behavior is distinct from humpback whales', with no song types repeated between years, and new songs emerging each season.
Basking sharks gather in large groups off northeast US coast
Researchers analyzed basking shark aggregations off the northeastern US coast to learn more about their behavior. They found that these events occurred during summer and fall, when sea surface temperatures were between 55-75 degrees F, and are likely related to foraging and socializing.
Stanford researchers learn why aquatic mammals need to be big, but not too big
Aquatic mammals are bounded by need to retain heat and difficulties gathering food, limiting their size. The study found that smaller ancestors like dog relatives increased in size more than larger ancestors like hippos to reach an optimal weight of around 1,000 pounds.
Why are whales so big?
Stanford researchers found that aquatic mammal size is bounded by the need to retain heat and difficulties getting enough food. The group analyzed body masses for over 3,800 species and found a convergent evolution toward around 1,000 pounds.
SourceStanford's School of Earth, Energy & Environmental Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 26, 2018
The changing voices of North Atlantic right whales
A study published in Animal Behaviour examined the acoustic behavior of North Atlantic right whales, finding that their calls change as individuals age. Similar to human infants, younger whale calls are shorter and less structured, but develop into clearer sounds with better defined structure as they mature.
Voice control: Why North Atlantic right whales change calls as they age
Researchers found that North Atlantic right whales produce clearer, longer calls with age, defying previous predictions of physical maturity. This study suggests that whales have more control over their voices, potentially sending more complex information.
Beluga whales dive deeper, longer to find food in Arctic
New research finds that beluga whales are diving deeper and longer to find food as sea ice loss changes their Arctic habitat. The whales' diving behavior has increased significantly over nearly two decades, with dives lasting up to 3 times a day and depths reaching 64 meters.
Monitoring bacteria on whale skin
A study on humpback whales' skin microbiome found that nearly all whales had six core communities of bacteria, which changed with seasonal and environmental conditions. Monitoring these microbes could aid in assessing the whales' health and detecting climate change impacts.
SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateFeb 14, 2018
Snapping shrimp may act as 'dinner bell' for gray whales off Oregon coast
Researchers have detected snapping shrimp off the Oregon coast and believe their loud clicking noise may attract eastern Pacific gray whales. The crustaceans are typically found in warm waters but were previously unknown to inhabit the cooler coastal areas.
Recordings spout secrets behind blue whale behavior
Scientists recorded over 4,500 sounds from tagged blue whales to analyze their calling patterns and behaviors. The study found that male whales were chattier at night, producing more calls than females, which may aid in reproduction.
Expedition to 'health-check' southern right whales around South Georgia
A team of researchers is conducting a five-week survey to investigate the health of southern right whales in their feeding grounds off South Georgia. The study aims to unravel the mystery of high calf mortalities and understand how environmental conditions influence breeding success.
What species is most fit for life? All have an equal chance, scientists say
A study published in Nature Ecology & Evolution found that all organisms are nearly equally fit for survival due to a universal tradeoff in energy allocation. This means that each species contributes the same amount of energy per gram of parent to the next generation, regardless of size or life history.
SourceSUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateJan 8, 2018
Heart monitors on wild narwhals reveal alarming responses to stress
Deep-diving narwhals experience unusually low heart rates while escaping human disturbances, potentially harming oxygenation and brain function. The study's findings raise concerns about the effects of ocean noise and increased human activity on these Arctic whales.
Space-inspired study unravels mysterious constellations of the oceans
A new study reveals the location of 20 whale shark aggregation sites globally, increasing knowledge of abundance and geographic range. The research also identifies sex-ratio bias, site fidelity and hotspot sites, improving conservation efforts for this endangered species.
Feces from entangled North Atlantic right whales reveals 'sky-high' stress levels
A new study published in Endangered Species Research found that chronically entangled North Atlantic right whales have high hormone levels indicating severe stress. The research used fecal samples from live, entangled, and dead whales to investigate stress levels and determine cause of death.
Bowhead whales come to Cumberland Sound in Nunavut to exfoliate
Researchers observed bowhead whales rubbing against rocks in Cumberland Sound, Nunavut, to remove dead skin. The warmer coastal waters may facilitate molting during summer months.
Molting bowhead whales likely rub on rocks to facilitate sloughing off skin
Researchers found that bowhead whales in the eastern Canadian Arctic molt and rub on large rocks to facilitate exfoliation, shedding parasites and sun-damaged skin. This behavior may help reduce ultraviolet radiation damage, important for long-lived species like bowhead whales.
Scientists discover most blue whales are 'right-handed' -- except when they swim upward
Most blue whales exhibit a lateralization bias, being 'right-handed' or 'left-handed,' with most feeding movements involving 90-degree side rolls. However, researchers found that these whales become left-handed when swimming upward at a steep angle to approach prey near the surface.
Video tags reveal surprising details of blue whale feeding behavior
Researchers found that blue whales tend to be 'right-handed' when feeding, rolling about 90 degrees to the right side during most lunges. However, they roll to the left when approaching from below to target patches of prey, allowing for more efficient feeding.
Recovery of West Coast marine mammals boosts consumption of chinook salmon
The recovery of killer whales, sea lions, and harbor seals on the West Coast has led to a significant increase in their consumption of chinook salmon. This shift may now exceed the combined harvest by commercial and recreational fisheries, creating complex tradeoffs for conservation efforts.
Righty blue whales sometimes act like lefties, study finds
Researchers found that individual blue whales prefer to roll to the right most of the time, but shift to left-side rolls in shallow water to hunt small prey. This study provides the first evidence of handedness in blue whales and highlights their adaptability when it comes to feeding behaviors.
Winners of the 2017 AAAS Kavli Science Journalism Awards
The 2017 AAAS Kavli Science Journalism Awards honored distinguished reporting on topics such as antibiotic-resistant infections, superbugs, and climate change. The winners included a Reuters team for their investigation into uncounted deaths from superbug infections.
Shifting presence of North Atlantic right whales tracked with passive acoustics
Researchers tracked North Atlantic right whales using passive acoustic monitoring, finding they use nearly the entire eastern seaboard during winter and move around more than thought. The study revealed changes in their time spent in some areas and confirmed their presence along the East Coast year-round.
New postcranial skeleton of ancient dolphin Albertocetus meffordum found in South Carolina
The study reveals that Albertocetus had a large brain size, intermediate between modern cetaceans and terrestrial even-toed hoofed animals. The partial vertebral column indicates that it retained a similar shape and moved similarly to its archaeocete ancestors.