Name: Why do whales sing?
Uploaded: 2017-09-07T20:44:35Z
Duration: 4 min 58 s
Description: Communicating underwater is challenging. Light and odors don't travel well, but sound moves about four times faster in water than in air — which means marine mammals often use sounds to communicate. The most famous of these underwater vocalizations is undoubtedly the whale song. Stephanie Sardelis decodes the evocative melodies composed by the world's largest mammals.

Communicating underwater is challenging. Light and odors don't travel well, but sound moves about four times faster in water than in air — which means marine mammals often use sounds to communicate. The most famous of these underwater vocalizations is undoubtedly the whale song. Stephanie Sardelis decodes the evocative melodies composed by the world's largest mammals.

Stephanie Sardelis: Why do whales sing?

Why do whales sing?

Sound moves four times faster underwater, making vocalization key for marine mammals' communication in the ocean's depths.

Baleen whales craft 'songs' with a structure akin to grammar, a mesmerizing blend of moans and chirps, hinting at complex communication.

Whale songs, varying in pattern and used by males during mating season, may serve to attract females or assert territory.