Bubbles are surprisingly important to a wide range of cetaceans. Different species use them for play, to help capture prey , and even in aggressive encounters. Now, researchers are looking at bubble rings made by humpback whales to learn more about why the species makes such a specific shape.

Humpback whales have a wide range of bubble-based creations, from the cooperatively made spiral bubble nets to clouds of bubbles that rise through the air. The team were particularly interested in bubble rings that rise up through the water column and resemble smoke rings blown from a pipe.

“Humpback whales live in complex societies, are acoustically diverse, use bubble tools and assist other species being harassed by predators,” said co-lead author Dr Fred Sharpe, UC Davis Affiliate, in a st

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