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Researchers have discovered that the distinctive vocalizations of baleen whales, which are the largest creatures to have ever existed, can be attributed to their specialized larynx.
Scientists have identified these animals, such as the blue whale, as having unique anatomical features in their voice box that allow them to produce sounds in a previously unknown manner, according to a recent study.
It is believed that baleen whales communicate by producing various sounds, such as moans, grunts, thumps, and knocks, to communicate with one another, navigate their surroundings, and locate potential mates.
These songs are produced at very low frequencies, of up to 300Hz, allowing them to communicate in vast oceans as low-frequency sounds are absorbed less rapidly in the marine environment than high-frequency ones.
However, the team explained that the unique vocal structure of these whales, which allows them to produce low-frequency sounds, also presents a difficulty when it comes to dealing with human-generated noises in the ocean. These noises typically fall within the range of 30-300 Hz.
We will demonstrate that even with their incredible physical abilities, baleen whales are unable to avoid the noise created by humans in the ocean.
According to scientists, baleen whales are limited to communicating at a depth of 100 meters below the surface. This suggests that they are likely being overpowered by the sounds produced by ships and other maritime activity.
According to Coen Elemans, a professor in the biology department at the University of Southern Denmark, the predicted frequency range and maximum communication depth of 100 meters unfortunately coincides with the dominant frequency range and depth of human-generated noise from shipping traffic.
According to the published study in the journal Nature, the scientists are advocating for improved regulations to safeguard the species.
Professor Elemans stated that in comparison to the 1970s, our oceans are currently experiencing an increased amount of noise pollution caused by human activities such as shipping, drilling, and seismic blasting.
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“Stringent measures must be implemented to control this noise, as these whales rely on sound for communication.”
We will now demonstrate that even though their physiology is incredible, marine creatures are unable to avoid the sound pollution caused by human activity in the oceans.
Reworded: Baleen whales, such as the blue whale, are among the biggest creatures on the planet. They can reach lengths of up to 30 meters (100 feet) and weigh as much as 200 tonnes.
Whales possess baleen plates within their mouths, which are composed of keratin, the same substance found in human fingernails and hair, rather than teeth.
For over 50 years, researchers have been attempting to understand the method behind baleen whales’ intricate vocalizations since their initial discovery.
The study involved examining the larynx of sei whales and humpback whales in a laboratory setting.
They successfully replicated the airflow within the organ in order to create sound.
The scientists discovered that these whales possess a considerable U-shaped anatomical feature composed of elongated, cylindrical tissues known as arytenoids, which are joined together at the base.
This structure, which only exists in baleen whales, allows them to use air to generate low-frequency sounds in the ocean as well help with their “explosive” surface breathing.
According to Professor Elemans, the U-shaped structure exerts pressure on a large fatty cushion located inside the larynx.
“When whales release air from their lungs, it causes a vibration that produces low frequency sounds underwater.”
He stated that their experiments revealed the method by which whales produce their low frequency vocalizations.
Source: independent.co.uk
