Whales Have an Alphabet

Ever since the discovery of whale songs almost 60 years ago,
scientists have been trying to decipher the lyrics.


But sperm whales don’t produce the eerie melodies sung by
humpback whales, sounds that became a sensation in the 1960s.
Instead, sperm whales rattle off clicks that sound like a cross
between Morse code and a creaking door.

Carl Zimmer, a science reporter, explains the possibility why
it’s possible that the whales are communicating in a complex
language.


Guest: Carl Zimmer, a science reporter for The New York Times who
also writes the Origins column.


Background reading


Scientists find an “alphabet” in whale songs.

These whales still use their vocal cords. But how?



For more information on today’s episode, visit
nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made
available by the next workday.