Back to News
Different sperm whale ‘dialects’ detected on separate sides of the Mediterranean
UK NewsTechnology•June 24, 2026 at 5:00 AMNational

Different sperm whale ‘dialects’ detected on separate sides of the Mediterranean

By Nicola Davis Science correspondent•The Guardian - UK News

Matriarchal groups in east and west exhibit distinct click patterns, used to form social structuresFrom “Howdy” to “G’day”, English – like other languages – is rich in dialects. Now researchers have found sperm whales on different sides of the Mediterranean show similar variations in their vocalisations.Sperm whales communicate vocally using sequences of short clicks called codas. However, the rhythmic pattern of these clicks, known as the dialect, can differ between different matriarchal groups. Continue reading...

Matriarchal groups in east and west exhibit distinct click patterns, used to form social structures

From “Howdy” to “G’day”, English – like other languages – is rich in dialects. Now researchers have found sperm whales on different sides of the Mediterranean show similar variations in their vocalisations.

Sperm whales communicate vocally using sequences of short clicks called codas. However, the rhythmic pattern of these clicks, known as the dialect, can differ between different matriarchal groups.

Continue reading...

More From These Categories

UK News

View All

No other articles in this category yet.

Technology

View All

No other articles in this category yet.

Featured Artists