The “risky” business of singing: tactical use of song during joining by male humpback whales

摘要: Balancing the costs and benefits of emitting a mating signal is complex. There are direct costs, such as time taken away from essential activities like feeding, indirect attracting unintended receivers, who may gain advantageous information eavesdropping. As consequence, signaler reduce his chances if outweigh benefits. Male humpback whales (Megaptera noveangliae) sing. Although it still unclear whether this aimed at males, females, or both, generally accepted breeding emitted in presence females. This study tested hypothesis that cost singing other competitors to group therefore reducing singer successfully mating. Males should “choose” sing only social conditions not “costly.” We found males were less likely when joining another there two more adults already (other competitive males), was male area (a known competitor), higher densities (resulting an increased likelihood having group, close by). result confirmed later years, where density had substantially but probability while animals reduced. These groups be joined by additional density, “riskier” conditions, especially they included whale previously singing. It seems, therefore, will join ‘audience’ comprises fewer potential eavesdroppers group. The against within-group dynamics (number calf), nearby whale, nearest neighbor, number (group density). Whales no calf, area, low. In increased, resulting decrease Results suggest monitoring their audience composition (surrounding conspecifics) using make “vocal decisions” containing female.