"Uncovering the Unique Vocal Mechanism of Baleen Whales"
Scientists have discovered a unique feature in the voice boxes of whales, suggesting that they have adapted their vocalization mechanisms over tens of millions of years to make sounds underwater. The study, based on experiments with the voice boxes of three baleen whales, reveals a U-shaped tissue and a large "cushion" of fat and muscle not seen in other animal species, allowing whales to push tissue against the cushion to produce sounds. This finding will direct future research into how whales communicate and may help address concerns about the impact of shipping noise on their ability to communicate and mate in the ocean.
