Today’s Video of the Day from Florida Atlantic University describes an investigation into the social lives of beluga whales, drawing from decades of research.
The experts discovered that beluga whales form complex social networks that extend beyond family members.
“This research will improve our understanding of why some species are social, how individuals learn from group members and how animal cultures emerge,” explained study lead author Dr. Greg O’Corry-Crowe.
“It also has implications for traditional explanations based on matrilineal care for a very rare life-history trait in nature, menopause, which has only been documented in a handful of mammals, including beluga whales and humans.”
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By Chrissy Sexton, Earth.com Staff Writer
Video Credit: Florida Atlantic University