Washington, US

Scientists have long been intrigued by the mysterious clicks of sperm whales, pondering the meaning behind their underwater conversations. Led by a team from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), a groundbreaking study, detailed in Nature Communications on May 7, has unraveled this mystery using the power of machine learning.

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As part of the study, researchers delved into the complex world of sperm whale communication by analysing nearly 8,719 clusters of clicks, known as codas.

Sperm whales produce these clicks by forcing air through nasal passages located in their large heads. It creates sound pulses that travel through the water, primarily a form of echolocation used by these creatures to navigate and locate prey in the ocean depths. However, sometimes these clicks are also used in social contexts. 

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Through the lens of artificial intelligence, the researchers unearthed recurring patterns in the whales' speech, similar to deciphering an alphabet within their conversations. This pioneering approach represented a major leap forward in understanding animal communication.

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The study aligned with a broader trend in animal research employing AI to decode the languages of various species. Just as humans use tools like Google Translate to bridge language barriers, scientists use AI language models to interpret animal sounds and behaviours.

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Earlier studies 

In previous studies, AI has revealed remarkable insights into the communication systems of diverse creatures. For instance, in a 2016 investigation of Egyptian fruit bats, researchers employed voice recognition software to analyse thousands of distinct sounds. It revealed the nuances of their social interactions, including disputes over food and distress calls.

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Similarly, a 2023 study focusing on honeybees unveiled a unique dance language encoded with information about food sources. Meanwhile, a 2022 examination of zebra finches' songs, aided by machine learning, uncovered how female birds select mates based on song similarities to those of their upbringing.

(With inputs from agencies)