The relationship of social vocalizations to surface behavior and aggression in the Hawaiian humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae)

摘要: Humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) social vocalizations (nonsong sounds) were clearly related to group size and surface activity. Social sounds occurred almost exclusively in groups containing three or more whales rarely heard near single whales, pairs, cow–calf groups. Large (3 20 individuals) vocalized at an overall mean rate of 43.1 ± 55.52 per whale/h. Group changed frequently a dramatic increase vocalization resulted when new entered group. engaged flurries activity, such as breaching, flipper- tail-slapping, underwater bubbling. Aggressive encounters from male–male interaction. probably acted demonstrate aggression agitation adult males competed for temporary dominance within the proximity female. Likewise, visual displays may have been used threats close quarters apparently produced conjunction with convey level...