Different sperm whale ‘dialects’ detected on separate sides of the Mediterranean
Researchers have identified distinct vocal 'dialects' among sperm whale populations in the eastern and western Mediterranean. These click patterns, or codas, appear to define social clans and influence how the whales interact and cooperate.
Why it matters
Understanding whale communication patterns provides insight into the social structures of endangered marine species and their evolutionary history.
Sperm whales communicate vocally using sequences of short clicks called codas. Photograph: Mike Korostelev/Getty Images View image in fullscreen Sperm whales communicate vocally using sequences of short clicks called codas. Photograph: Mike Korostelev/Getty Images Whales Different sperm whale ‘dialects’ detected on separate sides of the Mediterranean Matriarchal groups in east and west exhibit distinct click patterns, used to form social structures
The article is a standard scientific report on marine biology research.
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