Scientists have long been intrigued by the mysterious clicking sounds of sperm whales and have wondered about the meaning behind their underwater conversations. A groundbreaking study led by a team at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), detailed in Nature Communications on May 7, used the power of machine learning to solve this mystery.
As part of the study, the researchers delved into the complex world of sperm whale communication by analyzing clusters of approximately 8,719 clicks known as codas.
Sperm whales make this clicking sound by forcing air into the nasal cavities in their large heads. This produces pulses of sound that travel through the water. This is primarily a type of echolocation that these creatures use to navigate and locate prey in the deep ocean. However, these clicks may also be used in a social context.
Through the lens of artificial intelligence, researchers discovered recurring patterns in whale speech, similar to deciphering the alphabet in whale speech. This pioneering approach has led to major advances in understanding animal communication.
This research is consistent with a broader trend in animal research that uses AI to decipher the languages of different species. Just as humans use tools like Google Translate to bridge language barriers, scientists use her AI language models to interpret animal sounds and behaviors.
previous research
In previous research, AI has revealed surprising insights into the communication systems of diverse organisms. For example, in a 2016 study of Egyptian free-tailed bats, researchers used speech recognition software to analyze thousands of different sounds. It revealed subtle differences in their social interactions, such as fights over food and distress calls.
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Similarly, a 2023 study focused on honeybees revealed a unique dance language that encodes information about food sources. Meanwhile, a 2022 study of zebra finch songs using machine learning revealed how female birds choose mates based on song similarity to their upbringing.
(Information provided by agency)
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