Explore how sperm whales use an array of complex vocalizations to communicate with each other, hunt, and assess their surroundings.

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Soon after whaling ships began operating in the North Pacific, an interesting trend emerged. Within just a few years, whalers saw a 58% drop in their successful strikes. Sperm whales had suddenly become harder to kill— they had begun fleeing the boats instead of forming their usual defensive circles. Were whales communicating new strategies to each other? David Gruber and Shane Gero investigate.

Lesson by David Gruber and Shane Gero, directed by Anna Benner.

The recordings of whale codas included in this video were courtesy of Project CETI. Learn more about the initiative here: https://www.audaciousproject.org/grantees/project-ceti

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View full lesson: https://ed.ted.com/lessons/how-advanced-is-whale-talk-david-gruber-and-shane-gero
Dig deeper with additional resources: https://ed.ted.com/lessons/how-advanced-is-whale-talk-david-gruber-and-shane-gero/digdeeper

Animator's website: https://annabennerstudio.com
Muic: https://www.tschernuth.com
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