Culture in whales

Human behaviour, and thus human populations, are largely shaped by culture: information or behaviour that individuals learn from one another. However there are other species, perhaps particularly among the whales and dolphins, for which culture is essential. The primary objective of my research is to understand the role of culture in whales. My principal study species is the sperm whale, a matrilineal, cosmopolitan animal of biological extremes. Female sperm whales are members of cultural clans which have tens of thousands of members, span thousands of kilometers, and, even when using the same waters, have characteristic vocal dialects and behavior. Clans are affected differently by El Nino, will be affected differently by global warming, and reproduce at different rates, all because they learn different behavior from other members of their clan. We use a 12m ocean going sailing boat, as well as whale-watch and other vessels, to study whale cultures. During a project in the Sea of Cortez, Mexico, we will measure the physical behavior and record the social sounds of social units of female sperm whales. We will then use a new statistical technique that I have developed to apportion the variability in this behavior to genetic, ecological and cultural causes, thus quantifying the influence of culture on behavior in this species. In an ongoing study in the West Indies, my students study behavior and vocalizations at the level of the individual sperm whale. We look at the diversity and development of individual behaviour and social sounds, describe social relationships between pairs of whales, and relate social relationships to kinship. Thus we look at the social roots of culture. A project off Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, carried out in conjunction with a local whale-watch operator, is designed to examine these same issues in another matrilineal whale species, the pilot whale, although this work is much less advanced. I will also use computer models to make theoretical predictions about how the social structure of a species influences extent to which culture affects behavior and the characteristics of that culture. My research tell us primarily about the nature of the whale, but also will help us understand why we humans are so supremely cultural.