A new study reveals that whale song and human languages share features that make them easier to learn. Humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) are known for their complex songs. New research suggests ...

Whales use complex communication systems we still don’t understand, a trope exploited in sci-fi shows like Apple TV’s Extrapolations. That show featured a humpback whale (voiced by Meryl Streep) ...

All human languages follow the same pattern: The most common word is used twice as often as the second most common word, three times as often as the third most common word, four times as often as the ...

Communication is a fundamental aspect of many species, but human language has long been considered unique in its complexity and structure. However, new research suggests that whales' songs may share ...

Humpback whale songs become increasingly complex until a cultural revolution brings them back to basics. The role of complexity of male whale song has been unclear. Now, a team led by researchers from ...

These findings challenge the results of past studies that vocal variations in humpback whale songs provide information about a singer's reproductive fitness. Instead, the morphing appears to reveal ...

Blue whales are the world’s largest animals, and they can grow to the length of three school buses in a row. Christopher Michel via Flickr under CC BY 2.0 Blue whales are the world’s largest animals, ...

Roger Payne, a biologist who put his ear to the ocean and pioneered the study of whale songs, recording the creatures’ hypnotic, intricately patterned vocalizations — haunting wails, birdlike chirps, ...