Whale Bones Unveil Lingering Genetic Impact of 20th-Century Whaling

Research from Oregon State University reveals that 20th-century commercial whaling has had a lasting impact on the genetic diversity of surviving whale populations. DNA analysis of whale bones found on South Georgia Island, a former whaling hub, shows a loss of maternal DNA lineages among blue and humpback whales. This loss of genetic diversity highlights the importance of understanding and conserving the genetic history of whales. The study emphasizes the need to preserve genetic information from whales to reconstruct their history and aid in conservation efforts.