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Voices from the Deep with Dr. Michelle Fournet and Dr. Ellen Garland

StarTalk・46 minutes read

Neil deGrasse Tyson hosts Star Talk with Chuck featuring marine biologist Ellen and marine ecologist Michelle discussing whale communication, navigation methods, and the potential for human-animal communication. Research delves into sound propagation underwater, essential whale sounds, and how understanding animal communication on Earth is crucial before exploring extraterrestrial communication.

Insights

  • Ellen Garland and Michelle Fournade are experts in marine biology and ecology, respectively, focusing on wildlife science and whale communication, utilizing sound for underwater communication due to its effectiveness and range.
  • Research on whale communication involves studying universal sounds like the "whoop call," observing responses to playback sounds, and recognizing the importance of the "so far channel" for sound propagation, emphasizing the need to comprehend animal communication before assuming extraterrestrial communication parallels human language.

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Recent questions

  • How do whales communicate?

    Through various frequencies of sound for different purposes.

  • What is the significance of the "so far channel" in whale communication?

    It is crucial for sound to travel far underwater.

  • How do humpback whales navigate between feeding and breeding grounds?

    By traveling thousands of kilometers with strong site fidelity.

  • How does noise pollution affect whale communication?

    It disrupts mating and birthing grounds.

  • What are the similarities between bird and whale communication?

    Both involve structured sounds aiding in understanding.

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Summary

00:00

"Whale Communication Mysteries Explored in Star Talk"

  • Neil deGrasse Tyson hosts Star Talk with Chuck as a cosmic queries edition featuring experts Ellen Garland and Michelle Fournade.
  • Ellen is a marine biologist from New Zealand, while Michelle is a marine ecologist specializing in animal communication and marine bioacoustics.
  • Ellen's work focuses on wildlife science, studying animals in their natural habitat, while Michelle's work involves understanding how whales communicate.
  • Michelle's research involves dropping a speaker in the water to mimic whale sounds and observe their responses, crucial in the cloudy waters of Alaska.
  • Humpback whales, studied by Ellen in the South Pacific, travel thousands of kilometers between feeding and breeding grounds, showing strong site fidelity.
  • The navigation methods of whales remain a mystery, with theories including magnetism, gravitational forces, and acoustic cues.
  • Neil questions the possibility of humans communicating with all animals like Dr. Dolittle, sparking a debate on the desirability of such communication.
  • The experts discuss the roles of different ape species in "Planet of the Apes," highlighting the potential diplomatic skills of orangutans.
  • The episode features Q&A from Patreon supporters, allowing for engaging discussions and unique content creation opportunities.
  • The documentary "Fathom," featuring Ellen and Michelle, explores the fascinating world of whale communication and behavior, set to be released on Apple TV+.

15:12

"Whale Communication: Sound vs. Visual Signals"

  • Underwater communication relies heavily on sound due to the limitations of visual communication in water.
  • Whales use different frequencies of sound for various communication purposes, with low frequencies traveling further than high frequencies.
  • The physics of sound underwater, influenced by pressure and temperature, create a channel where sound can travel thousands of kilometers.
  • Whales, like humans, use air to produce sounds through vocal folds, passing air back and forth across sinus cavities in their brains.
  • Understanding how whales communicate with each other involves adopting their methods rather than imposing human communication standards.
  • The audacity of assuming extraterrestrial communication must mirror human language is critiqued, emphasizing the need to comprehend animal communication on Earth first.
  • Birdsong studies have aided in understanding whale songs, highlighting similarities in structure and classification.
  • Utilizing the electromagnetic spectrum for communication with marine mammals may involve visual signals rather than sound, akin to the concept in the movie "Arrival."
  • Deciphering essential sounds in whale communication involves identifying universal sounds produced by all whales, such as the foundational "whoop call."
  • Playing back identified essential sounds to whales helps researchers observe their responses and interpret the meanings behind these sounds.

30:18

Sound propagation in water and air differences

  • Sound propagation differs in water and air due to density and temperature affecting the medium.
  • The "so far channel" is crucial for sound to travel far, with vocalizing above or below it hindering sound travel.
  • Noise pollution from ships in oceans can disrupt whale communication, affecting mating and birthing grounds.
  • Hydrophones, underwater microphones, recorded a significant decrease in noise during the pandemic in Alaska.
  • Bees communicate food locations through a waggle dance, conveying information to their hive.
  • Humpback whales produce a variety of sounds, including high-frequency ones, beyond their melodic songs.
  • Elephants use infrasonic rumbles for communication, traveling through solids and covering long distances.
  • Whales lack representational speech like humans, using sounds based on action, function, and motivation.
  • Commonalities in sound production between mammals can indicate emotions or motivations.
  • Understanding whale communication is still in its early stages, with much to learn about their displays and sound meanings.

45:27

"Whales, Mer People, and Communication Evolution"

  • Whales evolved from land mammals and returned to the ocean, suggesting the potential existence of mer people in the distant future through evolutionary drift and genetic changes.
  • Learning the language of whales is crucial for potential communication, as seen in movies like "Splash" where mermaids are depicted with gills and no bubbles underwater.
  • The goal of understanding whales' communication is to observe without interfering, akin to the Prime Directive in Star Trek, aiming to protect and conserve their existence without disrupting their natural lives.
  • Research focuses on how whales share complex vocal displays across ocean basins, exploring male whales' communication patterns to understand their social interactions and cultural exchanges.
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