Cetacean Behavior

Cetacean Societies

"Part review, part testament to extraordinary dedication, and part call to get involved, Cetacean Societies highlights the achievements of behavioral ecologists inspired by the challenges of cetaceans and committed to the exploration of a new world."—from the preface by Richard Wrangham Long-lived, slow to reproduce, and often hidden beneath the water's surface, whales and dolphins (cetaceans) have remained elusive subjects for scientific study even though they have fascinated humans for centuries. Until recently, much of what we knew about cetaceans came from commercial sources such as whalers and trainers for dolphin acts. Innovative research methods and persistent efforts, however, have begun to penetrate the depths to reveal tantalizing glimpses of the lives of these mammals in their natural habitats. Cetacean Societies presents the first comprehensive synthesis and review of these new studies. Groups of chapters focus on the history of cetacean behavioral research and methodology; state-of-the-art reviews of information on four of the most-studied species: bottlenose dolphins, killer whales, sperm whales, and humpback whales; and summaries of major topics, including group living, male and female reproductive strategies, communication, and conservation drawn from comparative research on a wide range of species. Written by some of the world's leading cetacean scientists, this landmark volume will benefit not just students of cetology but also researchers in other areas of behavioral and conservation ecology as well as anyone with a serious interest in the world of whales and dolphins. Contributors are Robin Baird, Phillip Clapham, Jenny Christal, Richard Connor, Janet Mann, Andrew Read, Randall Reeves, Amy Samuels, Peter Tyack, Linda Weilgart, Hal Whitehead, Randall S. Wells, and Richard Wrangham.

Cetacean Behavior

Marine Mammal Behavior

Marine Mammal Behavior explores the complex communication and social structures of deep-sea cetaceans, such as whales and dolphins, in their extreme environment. These animals face unique challenges like limited visibility and immense pressure, leading to the evolution of sophisticated acoustic communication systems. Did you know that sperm whales use distinct vocalizations, or clicks, to not only locate prey but also potentially maintain social bonds across vast distances? Understanding these behaviors offers insights into the evolution of intelligence and the conservation challenges these animals face. This book synthesizes data from acoustic recordings, satellite tagging, and visual surveys to reveal how these marine mammals have adapted. It progresses methodically, first laying the groundwork with principles of acoustics and animal behavior. Subsequent chapters then dive into species-specific details, such as the social grouping patterns of beaked whales, before integrating these observations to identify general principles. The book uniquely emphasizes the environmental context of deep-sea cetacean behavior and addresses the impact of anthropogenic noise on these vulnerable creatures. Ultimately, Marine Mammal Behavior underscores the significance of understanding these intricate societies for effective conservation strategies. By examining vocalizations and social interactions, the book provides a valuable resource for marine biologists, conservation managers, and anyone fascinated by the hidden lives of deep-sea whales and dolphins.