AI Generated Image
'Like a jail door slamming': Male sperm whales' mysterious rhythmic clanging is the loudest communication s...
Yahoo • • science
Key Points:
- Researchers discovered that male sperm whales produce the loudest communication sounds of any animal, known as "clangs," which can be heard up to 43 miles away and resemble metallic slamming noises.
- These low-frequency clangs are distinct from typical sperm whale clicks and are made only by males, with a slow rhythm that includes 5 to 10-second gaps between sounds, possibly maintained by echoes from the seafloor.
- The sounds are produced using the whales' large noses and specialized "phonic lips," which snap together to create the powerful clangs.
- Scientists are uncertain about the purpose of these clangs but suggest they may be used for attracting mates or deterring rivals, with further research planned to observe whale responses to playback of the sounds.
