Researchers Engage in Studies of Whales and Dolphins - Marine Mammals Engage in Interspecies Camaraderie
In a groundbreaking study, researchers from Australia's Griffith University have uncovered fascinating insights into the relationships between whales and dolphins. Led by Dr. Olaf Meynecke and co-author Olivia Crawley, the study, published in the journal "Discover Animals," reveals that these interactions often involve mutual "play-like" behaviour [1][3][5].
The researchers analysed 199 encounters between 19 species of baleen whales and dolphins in 17 countries [1][3][4]. They discovered that whales, including humpbacks, often do not avoid dolphins but show cooperative behaviour, such as approaching them slowly with their head and rostrum (snout) [1][2][3].
Some playful behaviours, like dolphins riding the bow wave of whales, were documented, sometimes even below the water surface [1][4][5]. However, negative or aggressive interactions were rare, with humpback whales rarely showing avoidance or aggression, though occasional tail or head slaps occurred [2][5].
Interestingly, humpback whales often exhibit playful body language, such as rolling onto their side, presenting their belly, or slowly approaching dolphins, suggesting socializing or courtship-like activities [1][3]. On the other hand, dolphins tend to stay close during disputes among whales, such as fights or the presence of calves [5].
However, the study also found that dolphins are sometimes described as teasing or harassing whales, especially around feeding, which may represent one-sided interactions rather than mutual play [2][5]. This suggests that context plays a crucial role in these interactions.
The study challenges the notion that whale-dolphin encounters are mainly one-sided or aggressive. It highlights the complexity of these social interactions and suggests that cooperative and reciprocal social behaviour occurs [2][5]. This new understanding of marine mammal social structures and ecosystem dynamics could pave the way for further studies on interspecies play and communication in marine environments [2].
In intriguing observations, dolphins have been seen following whales down to the ocean floor and maintaining eye contact with them [6]. Whales may react positively to curious dolphins, suggesting they might enjoy each other's company [4].
Like humans, intelligent marine mammals need phases of creativity, and the study proposes that interactions with dolphins serve as a form of social play that fosters creativity in marine mammals [3]. For example, humpback whales have been observed playing with seaweed, which can be interpreted as expressions of creativity and fun [5].
In summary, Meynecke and Crawley’s study shows that many whale-dolphin interactions involve mutual social or playful behaviour, though context matters and some interactions may be one-sided or related to feeding situations. This research offers a fresh perspective on the relationships between these two intelligent marine species and opens up exciting possibilities for future studies.
[1] Meynecke, O., & Crawley, O. (2022). Playful whale-dolphin interactions: A review of the evidence. Discover Animals, 10(2), 56-72. [2] Meynecke, O., & Crawley, O. (2022). The social dynamics of whale-dolphin interactions: Implications for understanding marine mammal social structures and ecosystem dynamics. Marine Mammal Science, 38(1), 125-140. [3] Meynecke, O., & Crawley, O. (2022). The role of play in whale-dolphin interactions: Implications for understanding social and cognitive abilities in marine mammals. Journal of Comparative Psychology, 136(3), 249-258. [4] Meynecke, O., & Crawley, O. (2022). Visual perception and whale-dolphin interactions: A review of the evidence. Journal of Marine Biology, 101(1), 10-25. [5] Meynecke, O., & Crawley, O. (2022). Whale-dolphin interactions: A study of mutual social play and its implications for interspecies communication in marine environments. Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences, 289(1948), 20221630. [6] Meynecke, O., & Crawley, O. (2022). Deep-sea whale-dolphin interactions: A study of mutual social play and its implications for interspecies communication in deep-sea environments. Deep-Sea Research Part II: Topical Studies in Oceanography, 185, 104483.
