Tom Mustil, author of 'How to speak whale', and Holly Root Gutteridge, researcher in bioacoustics, join Jon, Mark, and Ed in a hilarious and philosophical adventure into human-animal communication. They discuss animal impersonations, share NSFW facts about Sea Otters, explore the science of animal sound and communication, and delve into the challenges and consequences of human-animal communication. They also discuss the heroic nature of dolphins and reflect on the ineffability of human-animal communication.
Animal communication is diverse and complex, from whales producing simultaneous sounds to rats giggling when tickled.
Ship noise disrupts animal communication in the ocean, highlighting the need for conservation and reducing human-generated noise pollution.
Studying animal communication reveals their intelligence and fosters respect for animals, emphasizing the importance of protecting their habitats.
Human activities like ship traffic and noise pollution negatively impact animal communication, emphasizing the need for responsible practices and consideration of their well-being.
Deep dives
Animal Communication: Insights from Whales, Rats, and Dogs
Whales, rats, and dogs have unique ways of communication. Killer whales, also known as orcas, have complex vocalizations and can produce two sounds simultaneously. Rats make different noises to express pain, stress, or pleasure, such as giggling when tickled. Dogs have sophisticated communication, from growls indicating playfulness to laughter-like sounds when tickled. Blue whales, the largest animals on Earth, produce deep and far-reaching low-frequency calls called B calls, while humpback whales produce complex songs that change and evolve every year. Understanding animal communication helps us recognize their intelligence and the importance of preserving their habitats.
The Impact of Noise Pollution on Animal Communication
Ship noise and other human-generated sounds disrupt animal communication in the ocean. Whales, for example, struggle to communicate with each other due to the increased noise levels caused by shipping activities. The constant loudness of the environment can be likened to trying to have a conversation in a noisy bar or club. Reductions in ship traffic during the COVID-19 pandemic revealed that stress hormones in whales decreased, indicating less stress. It also allowed for more nuanced and complex communication among some species. Understanding the impact of noise pollution on animal communication is essential for conservation and protecting their ecosystems.
The Importance of Recognizing Animal Intelligence
Studying animal communication helps us acknowledge the intelligence and complexity of animals. Dogs, for instance, exhibit various forms of communication, from growls indicating playfulness to laughter-like sounds when being tickled. The whistles and songs produced by whales like killer whales and humpback whales point to their sophisticated communication abilities. Recognizing the depth and richness of animal communication helps foster a deep respect for animals and their place within the natural world. It also highlights the need to protect their habitats and consider their well-being in human activities.
The Effect of Human Actions on Animal Communication
Human activities like ship traffic and noise pollution can disrupt animal communication and affect their well-being. Whales, for example, often use songs to communicate and navigate, but ship noise can interfere with these signals. Similarly, other animals like rats and dogs have specific ways of communicating that can be disrupted by human actions. Understanding the impact of human activities on animal communication underscores the need for responsible and sustainable practices to mitigate the negative effects and protect the natural communication patterns of animals.
Animals have been misunderstood and projected upon
Throughout history, animals have been misunderstood and projected upon by humans. They have been seen as unthinking automatons or god-like beings without much scientific research to support these ideas. However, scientists are now increasingly interested in listening to other species and understanding the worlds they live in. This shift in perspective allows for better environmental conservation and a reevaluation of how humans fit into the broader world of communication.
The lost connection between humans and nature
Humans have become disconnected from nature, resulting in an ignorance of the other inhabitants of our planet. Industrialization and modernization have further alienated us from the natural world. We often fail to listen to the voices of animals and appreciate their complex languages and cultures. This disconnection has led to a loss of biodiversity and a failure to empathize with other species.
Rediscovering animal communication
Advancements in technology, such as recording and analyzing animal communication, are allowing scientists to uncover the intricacies of non-human languages. Projects like SETI are using large datasets and AI algorithms to understand the communication patterns of animals like whales. By deciphering and understanding their communications, we can better avoid polluting their acoustic environments and gain insight into their needs, desires, and cultures.
The potential for humans to unfuck ourselves
Unfucking ourselves, as discussed in the podcast, involves changing our mindset and recognizing the importance of animal communication and the interconnectedness of all life on Earth. It requires acknowledging that humans are not superior or separate from the natural world, but rather a part of it. By shifting our perspective, we can learn from other species, conserve biodiversity, and strive for a deepened understanding and respect for the natural world.
In this first ever full line-up LIVE show to kick off Series 5 Jon, Mark & Ed are joined by special guests Tom Mustil (author of ‘How to speak whale’) and Holly Root Gutteridge (researcher in bioacoustics) in an incredible philosophical and scatological adventure into the past, present and future of human: animal communication. Featuring our best animal impersonations, ‘Guess the animal’ sound clips and why what Sea Otters get up to is NSFW.
Get in touch with the show with any questions or topics you'd like us to discuss;
