To The Best Of Our Knowledge
Listening to Whales
Mar 29, 2025
Shane Gero, a marine biologist dedicated to understanding sperm whale communication through Project CETI, joins Carl Zimmer, a New York Times science reporter known for his insights into whale science, and Mere Takoko, an Indigenous ocean and climate conservationist advocating for whale personhood. They discuss groundbreaking AI technologies that decode whale vocalizations, the deep social bonds within sperm whale families, and Indigenous perspectives on giving these majestic creatures rights. This engaging conversation highlights the urgent need for conservation and understanding our connection to marine life.
52:03
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Quick takeaways
- Researchers are utilizing AI to decode complex whale communication, revealing nuanced social interactions and family dynamics among sperm whales.
- Efforts to grant whales legal personhood are underway, aiming to enhance their protection and conservation through recognition of their intelligence and social structures.
Deep dives
Understanding Whale Communication
Researchers are making significant strides toward understanding whale communication, particularly the songs and calls of sperm whales. A key focus is on the use of AI technologies, which are helping decode the complex patterns of clicks known as codas that these whales produce during social interactions. By recording vast amounts of audio, scientists can analyze these codas to discern individual behaviors and social structures among whale families. This effort reveals that sperm whales engage in nuanced communication that may involve emotional exchanges and distinct social behaviors related to their family dynamics.
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