Why do whales sing?

Whales sing to communicate, attract mates, and establish territory. Male humpback whales, for example, produce complex songs during mating season to attract females or compete with other males. These songs can travel long distances underwater, thanks to the ocean’s acoustics. Some whale species also use vocalisations to maintain group cohesion, navigate, or signal distress. Whale songs are unique to species and populations, with variations often reflecting social or environmental factors.