Sperm Whales Have Culture Too: Strong Evidence That Clans, Culture, and Dialects Are Not Unique to Humans

Sperm whales are fascinating creatures with the largest brains and noses on Earth. Their noses act as powerful sonar devices, and we're just beginning to understand their complex communication and lifestyles.

Sperm whales display unique behaviors. Females live in warm waters, while much larger males prefer polar regions. Female and young sperm whales are highly social, living in family units of about 10, caring for each other’s young, and protecting themselves together. They form larger groups with other families but maintain close-knit bonds within their units.

In 2002, scientists discovered that sperm whales use distinct patterns of clicks called codas to communicate. These codas vary between different family groups, or clans. For instance, off the Galápagos Islands, two main clans were identified: Regular families using “click-click-click-click-click” codas and Plus-one families using “click-click-click-[pause]-click” codas. These clans don’t mix, forming their own social groups based on their specific codas.

The behaviors and movements of these clans also differ. Regular clans travel in zigzag patterns and dive together, while Plus-one clans move in straight lines and stagger their dives, likely for better babysitting. These differences are cultural, not genetic, as young whales learn their clan’s culture from their mothers and other clan members.

Sperm whale clans are found worldwide, with varying sizes and behaviors. A 2022 study identified seven clans in the Pacific Ocean. Some clans, like the Short clan, are widespread, while others, like the Plus-one clan, are more localized.

These clans resemble human societies with distinct dialects and behaviors. Understanding these parallels helps us study both whales and humans. Large brains, cooperative care of young, and cultural capacity may drive these social structures.

Despite their incredible adaptations, sperm whales face threats from whaling, pollution, and ocean noise. Protecting them requires changes in human behavior to ensure their survival.

Read the full article “Sperm Whales Have Culture Too: Strong Evidence That Clans, Culture, and Dialects Are Not Unique to Humans” by Hal Whitehead

🔭   This summary was human-edited with AI-assist.