Sperm whales have long been known for their long lives, intelligence, and social behavior. However, scientists have been perplexed by the apparent simplicity of their vocalizations despite their complex lifestyles. In a groundbreaking study, Ph.D. student Pratyusha Sharma from MIT’s Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Lab has challenged this perception.
Sharma’s team analyzed sperm whale vocalizations using a new method, revealing a level of complexity previously unseen. The study, published in Nature Communications, demonstrates that sperm whale vocalizations consist of at least 150 distinct patterns called codas. Instead of examining codas in isolation, the researchers focused on how they relate to each other. By considering variables such as rhythm, tempo, sound length, and additional sounds that could alter a coda’s meaning, the scientists uncovered a “sperm whale phonetic alphabet” for the first time. This breakthrough sheds new light on the intricacies of sperm whale communication and challenges previous assumptions about these majestic creatures.