Instant Genius How whales may be using their haunting songs as a navigation system
Nov 7, 2025
Eduardo Mercado, a behavioral neuroscientist and author of Why Whales Sing, dives into the mysterious world of whale songs. He discusses how these melodic hymns may serve as a form of echolocation, similar to bats, rather than just for communication or mating. Mercado reveals that whale songs can last up to 40 hours and travel incredible distances, even 1,000 km. He also highlights the detrimental effects of increasing ocean noise from shipping and fishing, which disrupts these magnificent creatures' ability to navigate and communicate.
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Songs May Serve As Sonar
- Whale song variability suggests functions beyond sexual display.
- Eduardo Mercado proposes songs act as sonar-like signals rather than just mating calls.
Unique Sound Production Anatomy
- Whale vocal anatomy uses internal air recycling and laryngeal sacs to produce sound.
- This produces vibrations with unusual configurations allowing precise control over calls.
Wider Than Expected Hearing Range
- Recent tests show baleen whales hear higher frequencies than assumed.
- Minke whales demonstrate hearing ranges that overlap with humans and extend to higher pitches.
