# Humpback Whales (DD-144)

> The humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) is a baleen whale known for its songs, which are sung by males. A song is built from repeated themes, usually lasting about 10 to 20 minutes, and males may repeat it for hours. All males in a population sing roughly the same song, which changes over time. A 2011 study found new songs spreading eastward across South Pacific populations over several years, an example researchers describe as cultural transmission. The footage shows humpback whales swimming and breaching, with the presenter.

- Department: Nature (also Science)
- First published: 2023-12-26
- Last updated: 2023-12-26
- Permalink: https://detailenjoyer.com/case/humpback-whales/
- Original Reel title: Humpback Whales 🐋
- Author: Marcus Easterling (DetailEnjoyer), The Detail Department

## Quick facts

- **DD-144-F01**: The humpback is a baleen whale. _(Write-up · Exhibit A (Baleen whale))_
- **DD-144-F02**: Songs are sung by males. _(Write-up · Exhibit B (Males sing))_

## Write-up

Humpback songs spread from one population to the next. Researchers compare it to cultural transmission.

1. **Baleen whale**: The humpback is a baleen whale.
2. **Males sing**: Songs are sung by males.
3. **Song length**: A song usually lasts about 10 to 20 minutes.
4. **Shared songs**: Males in a population sing roughly the same song.
5. **Spreading**: Songs spread east across the South Pacific.

## Related case files

- [Whale Milk (DD-729)](https://detailenjoyer.com/case/whale-milk/): I linked more about baleen whales
- [Dolphins (DD-145)](https://detailenjoyer.com/case/dolphins/): I paired it with another cetacean
- [Jellies (DD-143)](https://detailenjoyer.com/case/jellies/): I linked more open-ocean life
- [Really, Killer! Whales (DD-192)](https://detailenjoyer.com/case/really-killer-whales/): I linked more whale communication

## Reel vs. record

- **Note**: None needed.

## Video: Humpback Whales: Humpback Songs Spread From One Population to the Next

- Duration: 22.4 s · Published: 2023-12-26
- File: https://detailenjoyer.com/assets/videos/C1Vv8vxtiaE.mp4

### Transcript

Humpback whales are known for their complex songs, which can last up to 20 minutes and be heard over long distances. DID YOU KNOW? These songs are not just random sounds, they evolve and spread across whale populations. As the songs change, they can be compared to a form of cultural transmission among these marine mammals. It's a unique behavior that showcases a level of communication and cultural exchange among humpback whales. NOW YOU KNOW!

## Questions & answers

**Q: What kind of whale is the humpback?**  
A: It filter-feeds. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit A (Baleen whale) · Wikipedia: Humpback whale)_

**Q: Who sings humpback songs?**  
A: Often in breeding areas. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit B (Males sing) · Wikipedia: Humpback whale; Wikipedia: Whale song)_

**Q: How long does a song usually last?**  
A: Repeated for hours. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit C (Song length) · Wikipedia: Whale song)_

**Q: Do songs change?**  
A: The whole population shifts. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit D (Shared songs) · Wikipedia: Whale song)_

**Q: Which way did songs spread in the South Pacific?**  
A: Over several years. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit E (Spreading) · Wikipedia: Whale song)_

## Sources

- [Wikipedia: Humpback whale](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Humpback_whale)
- [Wikipedia: Whale song](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whale_song)

## Cite this case file

Easterling, Marcus. "Humpback Whales." The Detail Department (DetailEnjoyer), case file DD-144, last updated Dec 26, 2023. https://detailenjoyer.com/case/humpback-whales/