Recent research from UNSW Sydney reveals that leopard seals, known for their solitary nature in Antarctica, engage in intricate underwater singing similar to human nursery rhymes. The study analyzed recordings from the 1990s and found that leopard seals produce songs with a structured pattern, akin to the predictability of nursery rhymes.
Lucinda Chambers, the lead author, noted that the seals’ songs exhibit a degree of information entropy, indicating a structured and standard format. Males primarily vocalize during the breeding season, using unique song patterns to communicate both dominance and attraction to potential mates.
The study found that each male seal has a distinctive “signature song” formed from five core sounds, arranged in various orders. This allows their calls to travel long distances underwater, effectively signaling to rivals and potential mates.
Researchers aim to investigate changes over time in seal vocalizations and whether new call types have emerged. The findings contribute to our understanding of animal communication in one of Earth’s most remote environments.
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