Group-Specific Dialects and Geographical Variation in Coda Repertoire in South Pacific Sperm Whales

Publication Type:Journal Article
Year of Publication:1997
Authors:Weilgart, L, Whitehead, H
Journal:Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology
Volume:40
Pagination:277-285
Date Published:1997
ISBN Number:03405443
Keywords:Orcinus orca, Physeter catodon
Abstract:

Codas, which are patterned series of clicks, were recorded from female and immature sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) in a number of locations around the South Pacific Ocean and in the Caribbean Sea. Using K-means cluster analysis, 3,644 codas were categorized based on the number of clicks and their patterning. There were 30 resulting types of coda. The numbers of codas of the different types recorded were used to construct repertoires for each recording session, day, group of whales, place, area, and ocean. Strong group-specific dialects, which seem to persist over periods of years, were apparent, overlaid on weaker geographical variation. Significant differences in repertoire were found between the Caribbean and the Pacific Ocean. Sperm whales now join killer whales (Orcinus orca) as the only cetacean species in which dialects (differences in vocal repertoire among neighboring, potentially interacting groups) have been found.

URL:http://www.jstor.org/stable/4601332
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