How baleen whales, which include humpback whales, are able to sing underwater has eluded scientists since whale songs were first discovered more than 50 years ago. A baleen whale’s larynx is shaped differently from other mammals. This structural adaptation allows the leviathan to breathe massive amounts of air in and out when they go to the surface, according to the study. Air sacs also evolved in a way that may allow a baleen whale to recycle air while creating vocal sounds, according to researchers. This means that most boating noises mask calls between baleen whales, reducing the distance over which they can communicate.

---

Persons: Olga Filatova, “, ”, Coen Elemans, ” Elemans, Elemans, they’ve, Patricia Jaqueline, Karim Iliya, James Rule, Ellen Coombs, Peter Buck Organizations: CNN, University of Southern, London’s, Museum, Smithsonian National Museum of Locations: Bering, University of Southern Denmark