Culture and traditions in vocal communication of cetaceans: a review (Cetartiodactyla: Cetacea)

Abstract

Vocal communication is the main mean of communication for cetaceans and some species developed vocal culture and traditions. They are maintained through both production and contextual learning, used to acquire two types of sounds: signature calls and songs. Signature calls are present only in species living in stable groups or fission-fusion society. They are used as an identification tool to maintain cohesion and contact with conspecifics. Songs are present in most baleen whales, but only humpback and bowhead whales change within and between seasons. They use vocal learning to conform to one type used by all individuals. Vocal learning is also employed during vocal development in ontogenesis, together with maturation. The existence of social groups in other species together with the lack of research suggest that traditions are more widespread among cetaceans than is currently known.