Approximately 50 million years ago, the ancestors of land-based whales transitioned into the oceans, developing various adaptations for their new aquatic life.
They acquired nostrils on the top of their heads for easier breathing at the surface, while their limbs evolved into flippers and fins for swimming. Although the vocalizations of humpback and other baleen whales were well-known, the method by which they produced these sounds remained a mystery until recently.
Studying the sounds of live whales in the vast oceans presented a significant challenge. In a groundbreaking study released in early 2024, scientists were able to examine the voice box of baleen whales by studying the larynxes and carcasses of three stranded whales – a humpback, a sei whale, and a minke whale, which were in relatively good condition.
The larynx of baleen whales is a peculiar organ consisting of elongated cylinders that press against a fat cushion in a rigid U-shape. When air was blown into the larynx, the cushion vibrated, producing low-frequency sounds.
Live whales recycle air through their larynx, enabling them to vocalize without inhaling water or depleting their air supply. Researchers also developed a 3D computer model of the whale’s larynx to demonstrate how muscles control sound production.
This research revealed that the baleen whale’s vocalizations overlapped in frequency with the noise generated by ship propellers.
Due to the structure of whales’ larynx, they lack the ability to adjust their vocal pitch to avoid colliding with underwater ship sounds, making it challenging for them to communicate over long distances in increasingly noisy oceans.
This article addresses the query “How do whales sing in the ocean?” (submitted by Howard Hinchcliffe via email).
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