TED-Ed: How advanced is whale talk? | David Gruber and Shane Gero

Sperm whales in the North Pacific adapted to evade whalers by changing their defensive behavior. They use spermaceti for communication and echolocation, which is crucial for hunting and social interactions. Their echolocation system allows them to hunt squid effectively. Sperm whales communicate using complex vocalizations called codas, which serve as social identity markers. Researchers are working to decode these vocalizations to understand their communication better.

What challenges do sperm whales face in their communication?

What is the significance of codas in sperm whale communication?

How do researchers aim to decipher sperm whale vocalizations?