Brains On! Science podcast for kids Are whales communicating with their clicks and songs?
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Dec 17, 2024 Tyler, a curious co-host, and Shane Gero, a biologist specializing in sperm whale communication, explore the mesmerizing world of whale sounds. They dive into the differences between baleen whales’ songs and toothed whales' clicks, shedding light on how these vocalizations serve as vital communication tools. Shane explains the complexity of sperm whale sounds, revealing that researchers are just scratching the surface of understanding these intricate messages. The discussion combines education and humor, making whale communication accessible and engaging.
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Whale Categories
- Whales are categorized into two groups: baleen and toothed whales.
- These groups differ in their feeding methods and the sounds they produce.
Baleen Whale Sounds
- Baleen whales, like humpbacks, have voice boxes but no vocal cords.
- They produce sound by forcing air past a U-shaped muscle, vibrating a fat cushion in their throat.
Whale Songs
- Groups of whales, called pods, sing the same song, not unique individual songs.
- These songs can be shared between pods, spreading across oceans like a game of telephone.