Whales and dolphins have human-like ‘cultures’: Study

Whales and dolphins live in tightly-knit social groups, have complex relationships, communicate with each other and even have regional dialects – just like human societies – a study has found. The study is first of its kind to create a large dataset of cetacean brain size and social behaviours. Researchers, including those from University of British Columbia in Canada and The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) in the UK, compiled information on 90 different species of dolphins, whales and porpoises.

It found overwhelming evidence that Cetaceans have sophisticated social and cooperative behaviour traits, similar to many found in human culture. The study, published in the journal Nature Ecology and Evolution, demonstrates that these societal and cultural characteristics are linked with brain size and brain expansion – also known as encephalisation. The list of behavioural similarities includes many traits shared with humans and other primates, such as complex alliance relationships and working together for mutual benefit.

Researchers also found social transfer of hunting techniques – teaching each other how to hunt and using tools cooperative hunting. The Cetaceans also exhibit complex vocalisations, including regional group dialects – vocal mimicry and ‘signature whistles’ unique to individuals. They also looking after youngsters …read more