Page 96 - World of Animals - Book of Sharks & Ocean Predators

Sharks & Ocean Predators
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Given that the singing is most strongly (yet not exclusively) tied in areas where there is very little food available, so it might serve a really
with breeding amongst humpback whales, this evolution of songs may important role for them to use up that energy in a place where they’re not

have the benefit of impressing female whales with fresh new sounds even sure when they’re going to get their next meal. I think that’s one of
to be serenaded by, as well as infuse a bit of individuality for the male the important things to remember when we’re drowning out these songs
humpback. “In human society when new fashions appear, there are a few with human impacts.”
savvy people who embrace it and then everyone else quickly follows,” Dr Unfortunately, drowning them out we sure are. These animals are highly
Garland elaborates. “We think this male quest for song novelty is in the sensitive, but human impacts such as seismic activity, shipping noise and
hope of being that little bit different and more-attractive to the ladies. sonar are having a derogatory affect on these majestic creatures. A recent
This is then reeled in by the urge to sing the same tune, by the need to study showed that acoustic stress from activity over 200 kilometres (124
conform, which is the same as with humans when everyone wants to be miles) away from the whales caused a decline in singing over a period of
the same.” months. “We’re making it harder for these animals to function,” stresses
Whatever the whales’ reasons for composing and performing new Asmutis-Silvia. “A recent study from the University of Vermont explained
song material year on year, we still have so much to learn about why how large whales are really the ecosystem engineers, as well as how their
they vocalise in such an intricate and beautiful way. “These songs are function and the way they work helps to fight climate change, having

incredible, but energetically expensive,” enthuses Asmutis-Silvia. “When positive impacts on commercially valuable fishing populations. So they’re
you’re making a lot of noise and using up energy, you generally do it really important – not just because we like whales, but because we’re part
for a purpose. These songs are frequently happening in the breeding of the ecosystem.”

“This evolution of songs

may have the benefi t of
impressing female whales ”

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