Chinmaya IAS Academy – Current Affairs Chinmaya IAS Academy – Current Affairs
Prelims
Recent research has revealed that humpback whales can modify their bubble-net feeding technique, allowing them to capture up to seven times more prey in a single dive. This discovery highlights their advanced cognitive abilities and hunting strategies.
About Humpback Whales
Scientific Name: Megaptera novaeangliae
IUCN Status: Least Concern (LC)
Key Features
Distinctive Hump: Named for the noticeable hump located just in front of their small dorsal fin.
Feeding Mechanism: These baleen whales primarily consume krill and schooling fish like anchovies, cod, sardines, mackerel, and capelin. They use baleen plates for filter-feeding and employ bubble-net feeding, a cooperative hunting technique to trap prey.
Complex Vocalizations: Known for their elaborate songs, which serve as territorial signals or are used to attract potential mates.
Seasonal Migration: They migrate between high-latitude feeding grounds (during summer) and low-latitude breeding areas (during winter).