On a planet covered by oceanswhere the light almost does not penetrate and silence seems absolute, there is a melody that crosses the waters with almost magical accuracy.
It does not come from instruments or human voices, but from gigantic, ancestral and mysterious creatures. To the whalesladies of the depths, have enchanted researchers and navigators with their hypnotic, long and rhythmic songs.
But what exactly do these sounds mean? Why do whales sing? Are they talking, guiding or just expressing their existence in a blue world?
Understand the science behind the singing of whales
Among the most fascinating mysteries of the ocean, the Canto das Baleias occupies a special place. These long, severe and melodic sounds travel kilometers of saltwater and have already been described as the “hymns” of the depths.
But after all, why do whales sing? The answer involves communication, reproduction, navigation and even individual identity. And while this behavior has been documented for decades, science is still discovering new meanings for each grade issued.
What is conventionally called “singing” is, in fact, a structured sequence of sounds produced by some species of whales, especially the jubarts.
These sounds are not emitted by the mouth, but by structures located in the respiratory tract. Whales do not have vocal cords like humans.
Instead, they manipulate the airway between their airways to produce sound variations. The result is a set of sounds that can last up to 30 minutes and repeat for hours, with complex patterns, reminiscent of music.
The main function of whales singing seems to be related to mating. Males sing to attract females and perhaps even to push rivals away.
The most curious thing is that all the males of the same region sing the same “music”, which is changing over time, as evolved culturally. This behavior is unique among marine animals and keeps similarities with the way humans build oral language and tradition.
In addition to reproduction, sounds can also be used for navigation and recognition between groups. Because they are highly social animals, whales depend on the sound to locate and maintain contact in an environment where visibility is limited.
As sound propagates very well in water, it is the ideal tool for communication at long distances. But not all species of whales sing.
True singers are the members of the mystice group, such as the jubart whales, blue and fin. Already the dart whales (odontocetes), such as orcas and dolphins, produce clicks and whistles, more focused on ecoLocalization and short communication.
These sounds are different from the melodic songs of the whale-whales, but they also fulfill essential functions for survival.
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Researchers can record these sounds using hydrophone, a type of underwater microphone that captures sound vibrations in water.
With it, it is possible to study the duration, frequency, rhythm and intensity of the corners. Studies have revealed that some whales maintain similar vocal patterns for years, while others create variations.
This has led scientists to speculate that singing may contain a primitive form of language, with sounds that represent emotional states, intentions or identification.
Singing, however, is not risk -free. As it depends on the propagation of sound in water, it can be harmed by noise pollution caused by ships, underwater probes and oil exploration.
Excessive noise interferes with communication between animals and can cause disorientation, behavioral changes and even bells. Human interference in the marine “acoustic space” has become a growing concern between environmentalists and ocean-life scholars.
Other marine animals too vocalizelike seals, sea lions and some fish. However, no well-known group displays such acoustic sophistication as–Cantorers.
The sounds of these sea giants can be heard hundreds of miles away, and the emotional impact of listening to them live, according to divers and researchers, is deep and almost spiritual.
Therefore, understanding why whales sing is more than a scientific curiosity. It is a gateway to know the intelligence, culture and complexity of these marine animals.
On a planet where sound has become a vital link between species and environments, the singing of whales is still one of the most mysterious and impressive voices of nature.
With information from Iflscience.
