A recent study published in Nature Communications suggests that sperm whales may communicate in a manner more intricate than previously thought, drawing parallels between their vocalizations and human phonetics. Conducted by researchers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), the study focused on a population of sperm whales off the coast of Dominica in the Caribbean.
Sperm whales, known for their sizable brains, have been observed producing complex calls by combining various clicks and rhythms, termed as codas. These codas, akin to sequences in human language, were found to possess deeper complexities beyond mere caller identification, though the precise information conveyed by the calls remains uncertain.
By analyzing data from approximately 60 sperm whales collected through the Dominica Sperm Whale Project, researchers identified a set of nearly 8,719 codas. Each coda, typically lasting less than two seconds, comprises click groups. Unlike previous studies that analyzed single codas in isolation, this research emphasized the interactive exchanges between whales, suggesting a conversational aspect to their communication.
The study proposes that sperm whales employ a “phonetic alphabet” composed of distinct codas, allowing for a diverse range of potential meanings. This communication system operates across different timescales, influencing both the composition of individual codas and the overall structure of interactive exchanges within choruses.
Despite the complexity observed in sperm whale vocalizations, the precise communicative function of many codas remains uncertain. Nevertheless, the findings suggest that sperm whales possess a sophisticated communication system comparable to human sound production mechanisms.
Sperm whales, known for their deep diving capabilities, are among the largest toothed whales and are found in all major oceans worldwide. However, they face conservation challenges and are listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act.
