Researchers have discovered that whale songs can be key to understanding the state of marine ecosystems. Over six years, scientists tracked the sounds of baleen whales off the U.S. West Coast using underwater microphones and found that:
Humpback whales sing more frequently when feeding conditions are favorable.
Blue whales and fin whales increase their vocalizations in years rich in krill.
These findings suggest that whale songs are not just a form of communication but also a way for whales to adapt to changes in the ocean.
🔹 How Do Whales Use Sound?
Whales sing to attract mates, mark territory, and communicate over vast distances. Their songs can travel hundreds of kilometers, bypassing underwater mountains and utilizing the ocean’s natural "sound channels."
Humpback whales are known for their complex and evolving songs, which can last up to 30 minutes.
Blue whales produce the lowest-frequency sounds of any animal on Earth – their "voices" can be heard across hundreds of kilometers.
Sperm whales use clicks as echolocation, helping them navigate and hunt at great depths.
Understanding whale songs helps scientists monitor climate changes, track food chain dynamics, and assess the impact of underwater noise pollution from ships. The ocean is a complex system, and as its ancient inhabitants, whales have much to reveal about its transformations.
When we listen to whale songs, we hear the voice of the ocean itself.