How do you give a whale a hearing test?

Host David Boldeman speaks with ConnectSci science journalist Imma Perfetto about new research that has, for the first time, measured the hearing range of humpback whales in the wild.The discussion explores why understanding whale hearing is critical, particularly because whales rely heavily on sound for communication, navigation and finding food in the dark ocean environment. Imma explains that studying Baleen Whale hearing has long been difficult since these massive animals cannot be kept in captivity. This means scientists previously relied on indirect estimates based on anatomy and vocalisation patterns.Discover how researchers overcame this challenge by adapting a behavioural hearing test used for human infants, broadcasting sound signals to migrating humpback whales off the Queensland coast and observing changes in their behaviour.For the latest research and discoveries visit https://connectsci.au/news Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.