Associate Professor Rebecca Dunlop from the School of Biological Sciences at the University of Queensland conducted
“By 2015, the probability of reproductionnon-singing males became five times higher compared to 1997. This is quite a big change in behavior. It appears that humans are not the only ones who are undergoing big social changes when it comes to mating rituals,” explains the scientist.
Researchers believe the change occurredgradually as populations recovered after the widespread cessation of whaling in the 1960s. Because of this, competition has increased. In such a situation, the last thing the male will do is sing. This may attract other individuals, which "may outcompete the singer for a mate."
If a male who is looking for a mate and is “readyget acquainted,” another male nevertheless finds him, then the individuals either compete, and one of them leaves. Usually, in the struggle for attention, whales ram each other, hit each other on the head, and generally behave aggressively. This carries the risk of physical injury, so males weigh the pros and cons of each tactic. Sometimes it’s easier for them to leave.
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Cover photo: Cetacean Ecology Group, University of Queensland