Eduardo Mercado
Behavioral neuroscientist and author of the book Why Whales Sing, interviewed about whale song, its possible sonar function, and conservation implications.
Best podcasts with Eduardo Mercado
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Nov 11, 2025 • 1h 6min
Eduardo Mercado III, "Why Whales Sing" (JHU Press, 2025)
Eduardo Mercado III, a bioacoustician and cognitive scientist, captivates with his insights on why whales sing. He proposes a revolutionary theory suggesting that humpback whales may not be singing to attract mates, but utilizing sonar-like echolocation to perceive their underwater environment. Mercado shares his journey from electrical engineering to studying whale acoustics, and delves into how this vocal behavior helps whales maintain social connections over vast distances. He challenges long-held beliefs and highlights the implications for understanding whale communication.
Nov 7, 2025 • 25min
How whales may be using their haunting songs as a navigation system
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.
