Why Do Some Whales Sing?

What Crafty Clover says in this video

Intro

Hey there, curious minds! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. Why do some whales sing?

The Big Idea

Some whales, especially male humpbacks, make long, patterned sounds called songs. Songs may help whales find a mate, or keep in touch across the sea. Water carries sound much farther than air does, so a low note can cross a wide stretch of ocean.

Air Moves Inside

Step one: air moves inside the whale. A humpback pushes air around inside its head and throat. It makes sounds without breathing out any bubbles.

The Call Enters Water

Step two: the call enters the water. The sound travels out in all directions, like ripples from a splash. Some songs have low notes, high notes, and squeaks, all in a pattern.

Another Whale Hears

Step three: the note spreads for miles, and another whale hears it. In dark water, sound can travel much farther than sight. A faraway whale picks it up through its ears, and the message arrives.

A Closer Look

Let's take a closer look at a whale song! A singing whale makes the notes. The sound waves travel through the water. And a listening whale hears them far away.

Quick Facts

Quick facts! Humpback songs change from year to year, like a new hit song. Quiet boats help whales hear each other. Sound travels about 4 times faster in water than in air. So stay a legal distance away from singing whales, and never chase the sound.

Think Like a Scientist

Now, think like a scientist! Make a can telephone with two cans and a string. Pull the string tight, and talk across the room. A tight string carries sound well, a bit like water. Why might water be a better telephone than air? And what could a changing song mean?

Outro

A whale song is a long-distance message, not background music. Science is amazing! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!