New Study Illuminates Sound Communication in Whales and Dolphins

A groundbreaking study from a collaboration among the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, New College of Florida, the University of California, Berkeley, and Oxford University has provided new insights into how whales and dolphins utilize sound for communication and echolocation. Published in PLOS ONE on June 23, 2025, the research employed innovative techniques to map the excised brains of deceased cetaceans, revealing the intricate auditory pathways employed by these marine mammals.

The study notably contrasts the auditory systems of echolocating dolphins with those of a non-echolocating species, the sei whale. Lead author Sophie Flem, a student in the Marine Mammal Master’s program at New College of Florida, stated, "Our research sought to understand how the pathways for auditory information differed between echolocating and non-echolocating whales. While humans and other terrestrial species have well-established brain maps for auditory processing, the same is not yet true for dolphins, whose brains exhibit unique structures."

Senior author Peter Cook, an Associate Professor of Marine Mammal Science at New College of Florida, emphasized the historical significance of this research. "Comparative neurobiologists have longed to examine the patterns of connections within dolphin and whale brains for years, believing that the unique evolutionary history of these species will provide new insights into how brains evolve. The technology is finally there to start to crack open these mysterious nervous systems and find out how they tick," Cook explained.

The study also explored the neural control of vocalizations in dolphins, suggesting that their vocal system has evolved distinctly from that of baleen whales. "It’s believed that neural control of vocal output has totally shifted in dolphins, and we can now map out vocal control in dolphins, and how it differs from baleen whales," Cook noted. Both groups of cetaceans possess the rare ability to learn new vocal behaviors, which adds complexity to understanding their communication systems.

Co-author Peter Tyack, an Emeritus Research Scholar in Biology at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, contributed further insight into the function of the cerebellum in dolphins. Tyack stated, "While neuroscientists used to think of the cerebellum largely as a center for balance and motor control, newer evidence strongly suggests that it serves as an integration center for sensory and motor information, and, importantly, a rapid prediction center. Dolphins use echolocation to interact with their world, producing the energy that returns to their sensory receptors, bridging the gap between hearing and vocalization."

The implications of this research extend beyond mere understanding of dolphin and whale communication. As scientists uncover the complex neural mechanisms underlying echolocation, they may also gain insights into broader evolutionary processes and the adaptability of neural systems across species. This study marks a significant step in marine biology and neuroscience, paving the way for future research into the cognitive abilities of cetaceans and their adaptations to underwater environments.

The full research findings can be accessed in the PLOS ONE journal, highlighting the importance of continued exploration into the communication methods of these intelligent marine species. The study not only contributes to the scientific community's understanding of cetacean biology but also underscores the necessity for ongoing conservation efforts to protect these remarkable creatures and their habitats.