In the deep ocean, humpback whales produce some of the longest and most complex sounds of any animal. We call these sounds "songs." It is mostly the males that sing, and a single song can last for many minutes before the whale starts it again from the beginning.
What is really surprising is that whales in the same region tend to sing the same song. Over months, small changes appear, and gradually every whale in the group learns the new version. In this way, the song works a little like a shared culture that travels between animals.
Sound moves quickly and far through water, so a whale song can reach other whales many kilometres away. Scientists are still trying to understand exactly why whales sing. Some think the songs help males attract a partner. Others believe they help whales stay in contact across the huge, dark ocean. For now, the whales keep singing, and researchers keep listening for answers.
