US Edition
Playtime a Mostly Mutual Activity Between Dolphins and Whales, Study Finds
AUSTRALIA, AUG 11 – Researchers observed 197 social interactions involving dolphins and whales displaying gentle behaviors like bow-riding and petting, with observations increasing over the past five years.
- On Tuesday, Discover Animals journal published a study led by Olaf Meynecke, showing dolphins engage in joyful interactions with baleen whales, including bow-riding and rolling.
- Led by Griffith University's Whales & Climate Program, the study analyzed 197 unique posts and two underwater videos from suction camera tags on humpback whales, documented across 17 locations.
- Dolphins favored slow and gentle play behaviours such as bow-riding, meandering, touring and belly rolls, with whales responding positively in about one-third of interactions by rolling and presenting their belly.
- Researchers said these interactions, seen as 'joyful,' may benefit whale and dolphin conservation and have deeper benefits for their wellbeing, as Dr Meynecke noted.
- In future research, Dr Meynecke plans to investigate whether whales and dolphins communicate via whistles, clicks and groans during interactions, providing insights into their social structures and marine ecosystems.
30 Articles
30 Articles
Dolphin follows a whale all the way to the seafloor
From Indigenous stories and starring in movies, to singing popular songs and vital roles in scientific research, whales and dolphins are pretty popular animals. Their gravity-defying antics, beautiful songs, and just how relatable they can be to humans have us hooked. Despite everything we know, understanding how the cetaceans relate to each other in the ocean is puzzling to scientists. It’s unclear if they actually “play” together or if it is a…
The oceans are huge, but sometimes the paths of their inhabitants cross. What happens when whales and dolphins meet have been investigated by Australian researchers.
A study reveals regular encounters in the ocean between whales and dolphins. Two of the most fascinating sea creatures even play together. But the encounters are not always harmonious.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources lean Left
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
