Food talk: 40-Hz fin whale calls are associated with prey biomass
Creators
- 1. University of the Azores
- 2. University of Lisbon
- 3. Collecte Localisation Satellites (France)
Description
Animals use varied acoustic signals that play critical roles in their lives. Understanding the function of these signals may inform about key life-history processes relevant for conservation. In the case of fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus), that produce different call types associated with different behaviours, several hypotheses have emerged regarding call function, but the topic still remains in its infancy. Here, we investigate the potential function of two fin whale vocalizations, the song-forming 20-Hz call and the 40-Hz call, by examining their production in relation to season, year and prey biomass. Our results showed that the production of 20-Hz calls was strongly influenced by season, with a clear peak during the breeding months, and secondarily by year, likely due to changes in whale abundance. These results support the reproductive function of the 20-Hz song used as an acoustic display. Conversely, season and year had no effect on variation in 40-Hz calling rates, but prey biomass did. This is the first study linking 40-Hz call activity to prey biomass, supporting the previously suggested food-associated function of this call. Understanding the functions of animal signals can help identifying functional habitats and predict the negative effects of human activities with important implications for conservation.
Notes
Dataset called: weekly_fin_nosum.csv include weekly call rate index for each call type (20-Hz and 40-Hz) and the corresponding simulated zooplankton biomass. This dataset is then used in the R code supplied for modelling through Generalised linear models. The code is self-explanatory.
Dataset called: fin_month_year.csv includes call rate index for the two call types and is used for the code to create figure 2A & B.
Dataset called: all_prey.csv includes weekly simulated prey biomass that is used for the code to create Fig. 2C.
Funding provided by: European Regional Development Fund
Crossref Funder Registry ID: http://dx.doi.org/10.13039/501100008530
Funding provided by: U.S. Navy
Crossref Funder Registry ID: http://dx.doi.org/10.13039/100009896
Award Number: LMR ACCURATE N3
Funding provided by: Programa Operacional Temático Factores de Competitividade
Crossref Funder Registry ID: http://dx.doi.org/10.13039/501100011929
Funding provided by: European Union's Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation*
Crossref Funder Registry ID:
Award Number: SUMMER H2020-EU.3.2.3.1
Funding provided by: Portuguese Ministry for Science and Education
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Funding provided by: POPH
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Funding provided by: QREN
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Funding provided by: ESF
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Funding provided by: Lisbon Regional Operational Programme
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Funding provided by: Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia
Crossref Funder Registry ID: http://dx.doi.org/10.13039/501100001871
Award Number: CEAUL UID/MAT/00006/2013
Funding provided by: Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia
Crossref Funder Registry ID: http://dx.doi.org/10.13039/501100001871
Award Number: CMAF-CIO UID/MAT/00006/2013
Funding provided by: Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia
Crossref Funder Registry ID: http://dx.doi.org/10.13039/501100001871
Award Number: Okeanos R&D centre UIDB/05634/2020
Funding provided by: Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia
Crossref Funder Registry ID: http://dx.doi.org/10.13039/501100001871
Award Number: IF/009
Funding provided by: Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia
Crossref Funder Registry ID: http://dx.doi.org/10.13039/501100001871
Award Number: AWARENESS PTDC/BIA-BMA/30514/201
Funding provided by: Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia
Crossref Funder Registry ID: http://dx.doi.org/10.13039/501100001871
Award Number: TRACE PTDC/ MAR/74071/2006
Funding provided by: Fundo Regional da Ciência e Tecnologia
Crossref Funder Registry ID: http://dx.doi.org/10.13039/100008382
Award Number: MAPCET M2.1.2/F/012/2011
Funding provided by: Fundo Regional da Ciência e Tecnologia
Crossref Funder Registry ID: http://dx.doi.org/10.13039/100008382
Award Number: MR doctoral grant M3.1.a/F/028/2015
Funding provided by: European Union*
Crossref Funder Registry ID:
Award Number: RAGES 110661/2018/794607
Funding provided by: European Union's Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation
Crossref Funder Registry ID:
Award Number: SUMMER H2020-EU.3.2.3.1
Funding provided by: European Union
Crossref Funder Registry ID: http://dx.doi.org/10.13039/501100000780
Award Number: RAGES 110661/2018/794607
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Additional details
Related works
- Is source of
- 10.5061/dryad.00000003s (DOI)