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Behavioral data suggest adaptive buoyancy control during shallow dives in humpback whales
Maevatiana Nokoloina Ratsimbazafindranahaka1,2,3,4, Olivier Adam1,5, Chloé Huetz1
1Institut des Neurosciences Paris-Saclay, Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, Saclay 91400, France.
The Journal of Experimental Biology
|April 24, 2025
Summary
Mysticetes, or baleen whales, may actively control buoyancy during dives, unlike previously assumed passive changes. This research shows adult humpback whales can adjust buoyancy for efficient vertical movement.
Area of Science:
- Marine Biology
- Animal Physiology
- Behavioral Ecology
Background:
- Marine mammals' buoyancy is thought to change passively with depth due to lung compression.
- Mysticetes (baleen whales) possess unique respiratory systems not fully considered in buoyancy models.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate whether adult mysticetes actively control buoyancy during shallow dives.
- To analyze diving behavior in humpback whale mother-calf pairs to find evidence of active buoyancy regulation.
Main Methods:
- Utilized multi-sensor tags to collect diving data from humpback whale mother-calf pairs.
- Analyzed swimming effort and static positioning at various depths during dives.
Main Results:
- Adult female humpback whales exhibited low swimming effort and maintained static positions at different depths.
- Calves showed depth-dependent swimming effort and limited ability to remain stationary without assistance.
Conclusions:
- Behavioral data suggest adult mysticetes actively manage buoyancy, enhancing vertical movements.
- This active buoyancy control is a unique feature of mysticete diving, differing from passive models.
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