Minke Whales’ Hearing Range Revealed

Recent findings have transformed our understanding of minke whales’ hearing capabilities. Scientists have directly measured their hearing range for the first time. The results indicate that these whales can hear sounds up to 90 kilohertz (kHz), which is higher than previous estimates. The discovery has implications for how we consider human-made noise in the ocean.

Importance of Hearing Range

About the hearing range of minke whales is crucial, which provides insight into their communication and interaction with the environment. The ability to hear higher frequencies may affect their behaviour and survival.

Human Impact on Marine Life

Human-made noise poses a serious threat to marine mammals. Sources include naval sonar and industrial activities. Concerns have grown due to links between noise pollution and whale strandings. This marks the need for effective noise regulation.

Research Methodology

Researchers employed a novel catch-and-release method. They studied young minke whales in a natural channel in Norway. The whales were temporarily held using net barriers. This method allowed scientists to measure the whales’ brain responses to sound accurately.

Audiograms and Hearing Sensitivity

Audiograms are graphs that illustrate hearing sensitivity across frequencies. While they exist for some marine mammals, none were available for baleen whales until now. The new study filled this gap, revealing that minke whales can detect sounds between 45 and 90 kHz.

The findings suggest that baleen whales may be more vulnerable to noise pollution. This puts stress on the importance of incorporating their hearing abilities into conservation policies. About their hearing can inform guidelines for reducing human impact on marine ecosystems.

Important Facts for Exams:

1. Minke Whales: Minke whales are the smallest baleen whales. They can hear high-frequency sounds up to 90 kilohertz. This ability may affect their behaviour and survival in noisy environments.
2. Audiograms: Audiograms are graphs that show hearing sensitivity across frequencies. They help researchers understand how animals perceive sound. This study provided the first audiograms for baleen whales, revealing important hearing capabilities.
3. Catch-and-Release Method: The catch-and-release method allows researchers to study marine animals in their natural habitat. It involves temporarily holding animals for observation. This innovative approach was used to measure minke whale brain responses.

Month: Current Affairs - November, 2024

Category: Environment Current Affairs