Why humpbacks sing - and change their tunes too

A new study has found an unexpected singing pattern among humpbacks: Once their songs reach a certain level of complexity, they drop that tune entirely and pick up a new, simpler one.
A new study has found an unexpected singing pattern among humpbacks: Once their songs reach a certain level of complexity, they drop that tune entirely and pick up a new, simpler one. PHOTO: AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
New: Gift this subscriber-only story to your friends and family

Sometimes a whale just wants to change its tune.

That's one of the things researchers have learned recently by eavesdropping on whales in several parts of the world and listening for changes in their pattern and pitch. Together, the new studies suggest that whales are not just whistling in the water, but constantly evolving a form of communication that we are only beginning to understand.

Already a subscriber? 

Read the full story and more at $9.90/month

Get exclusive reports and insights with more than 500 subscriber-only articles every month

Unlock these benefits

  • All subscriber-only content on ST app and straitstimes.com

  • Easy access any time via ST app on 1 mobile device

  • E-paper with 2-week archive so you won't miss out on content that matters to you

Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.

A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on January 12, 2019, with the headline Why humpbacks sing - and change their tunes too. Subscribe