A study published in Nature Communications has shed light on the communication methods used by sperm whales in the Caribbean island of Dominica. Researchers analyzed over 8,700 fragments of sperm whale clicks and identified four basic elements that make up a phonetic alphabet used by these marine mammals to communicate.
Sperm whales are known for their large brains and live in matriarchal groups of about 10 individuals. They can grow up to 18 meters long and dive nearly a thousand meters to hunt squid. Scientists in Dominica set up an underwater recording studio with microphones at different depths to capture whale clicks and study their communication patterns.
Lead researcher Pratyusha Sharma suggested that whales could use this phonetic alphabet in endless combinations, giving them access to a vast communication system similar to a large dictionary. This study provides a promising step in unraveling the mysteries of whale language and could contribute to their conservation efforts. Sperm whales are classified as vulnerable, and understanding their communication systems could reveal parallels with human language and society. While much is still unknown about sperm whale communication, this research provides valuable insights into how these ocean giants interact with each other and their environment.