🕒 7 hrs ago

Humpback Whales' Bubble Rings: Ocean's Playful Smoke Signals

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Image & Source: kqed

Humpback whales have been observed creating massive bubble rings, akin to underwater smoke signals, during calm interactions with humans. This behavior, documented by scientists from the SETI Institute and UC Davis, suggests a form of interspecies communication previously unrecognized. Researchers noted that these bubble rings differ from the whales' known feeding techniques, indicating a possible playful or communicative intent.

Unlike the bubble nets used for hunting, these rings appear solely during relaxed human encounters, devoid of aggression or feeding behavior. The whales' deliberate approach and bubble artistry raise questions about their intent: Are they inviting us to play, or perhaps testing our response to their aquatic overtures?

In 12 documented instances, 11 humpback whales produced 39 bubble rings, each a potential 'hello' from the deep, challenging our understanding of marine mammal communication.

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