Different sperm whale ‘dialects’ detected on separate sides of the Mediterranean (opens original article in a new tab)

Researchers found distinct sperm whale dialects in the eastern and western Mediterranean, with different coda patterns indicating evolutionary changes due to isolation.

• Sperm whales in the Mediterranean have distinct vocal dialects in eastern and western basins.
• Dialects involve different coda patterns, with western whales using 3+1 clicks and eastern whales using a faster version.
• The study suggests dialects evolved through population isolation and gradual change over time.