Listen to Whale Songs Change Pitch Over Time (VIDEO)
Caption
Blue whales around the world are singing a little flat, and scientists may now have more clues as to the reason why. Blue whale calls have been mysteriously dropping in pitch for decades, and a new study suggests the pitch drop may be a side effect of singing less loudly. The whales' calls could be quieter due to growing numbers of whales or changes in the ocean due to climate change, according to the researchers. In this video, listen to two Antarctic blue whale 'Z calls' recorded in 2002 and 2017. Notice the pitch drop in the second call. These recordings have been sped up roughly 10 times to be audible to human ears.
Credit
Image credit: NOAA. Audio credit: Antarctic blue whale calls recorded by Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization hydrophone installations. Video produced by AGU.
Usage Restrictions
use with attribution
License
Licensed content