Mass strandings of whales occur on beaches near military exercises where sonar is used, raising concerns about the effects of human-generated underwater sounds on animal behavior. Scientists are collecting behavioral data on several species of whales to find out how sonar affects them. Whales communicate with one another using sound. What is one benefit and one cost to whales of using sound to communicate underwater?

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the context of the problem. The problem is asking about the benefits and costs to whales of using sound to communicate underwater. This is related to the field of animal behavior and communication, specifically in marine mammals like whales.
2. Step 2: Identify the benefit of using sound to communicate underwater. One major benefit for whales is that sound travels faster and farther in water than light or smell, allowing whales to communicate, navigate, and find food over long distances. This is especially important in the deep ocean where light is scarce.
3. Step 3: Identify the cost of using sound to communicate underwater. One major cost for whales is that their sound signals can be interfered with or drowned out by human-generated underwater noise, such as sonar from military exercises. This can disrupt their communication, navigation, and feeding behaviors, and in extreme cases, can lead to mass strandings.
4. Step 4: Synthesize the information. The use of sound for communication in whales is a trade-off between the benefit of effective long-distance communication and the cost of potential disruption by human activities.
5. Step 5: Formulate the final response. The benefit of using sound to communicate underwater for whales is effective long-distance communication, while the cost is potential disruption by human-generated underwater noise.

Key Concepts

Acoustic Communication in Whales

Whales use sound as their primary means of communication in the underwater environment, where visibility is limited. They produce a variety of vocalizations, including clicks, whistles, and songs, to convey information about their location, social interactions, and mating calls. This form of communication is crucial for maintaining social bonds and coordinating group behaviors, especially in species that travel in pods.

Impact of Human-generated Noise

Human activities, such as military sonar exercises and shipping, generate significant underwater noise that can interfere with whale communication. This noise pollution can mask the sounds whales use to communicate, leading to disorientation, stress, and potential disruptions in social structures. Understanding the impact of these sounds is essential for assessing the risks posed to whale populations and their behaviors.

Trade-offs in Communication

While sound communication allows whales to effectively share information and navigate their environment, it also exposes them to risks. For instance, relying on sound can make them more vulnerable to predators or human threats, as their vocalizations can be detected by others. This trade-off highlights the balance whales must maintain between the benefits of communication and the potential costs associated with being heard.