Are whales communicating with their clicks and songs?

Brains On! Science podcast for kids

American Public Media

Kids & Family, Education For Kids

4.4 • 13.5K Ratings

🗓️ 17 December 2024

⏱️ 35 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

Baleen whales sing. Toothed whales click. But how and why do they make these musical sounds?

Join Molly and co-host Tyler as they dive into the wonderful world of whale sounds. First, they run into Anna Goldfield on her way to audition for a whale choir. She teaches them about the voice boxes of baleen whales. Then, biologist Shane Gero talks about sperm whale communication, and how humans are only just beginning to understand the complexity of the sounds they make. All that, plus a whale of a mystery sound!

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Transcript

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0:00.0	You're listening to Brains On, where we're serious about being curious.
0:06.5	Brains On is supported in part by a grant from the National Science Foundation.
0:14.2	Ah, a rainy Sunday afternoon.
0:17.1	The perfect time for some cozy relaxation. Cushy recliner, check.
0:23.6	Crochet blanket, a check.
0:25.6	A mug of tea with lemon and honey?
0:27.6	Oh, check.
0:29.6	Now, to put on some relaxing sounds.
0:42.5	Mark, my dude, it's a rainy Sunday.
0:44.4	Yes, I know.
0:46.6	Perfect for relaxing.
0:49.3	So, what are you listening to?
0:52.4	The ideal soundtrack for relaxation.
0:54.6	Whale songs.
0:57.1	Ah, like a whaling guitar solo?
1:00.3	Blan-d-d-d-d-d-d-d-d-d-o-wow.
1:05.1	No, not a whaling guitar.
1:09.1	A song made by a whale.
1:12.4	You know, a big, beautiful ocean mammal?
1:14.5	Oh, yeah, yeah, right, right, right, right, right.
1:15.0	Yeah.
1:17.2	You want to try sitting down and relaxing?
	...

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