Humpback whale songs change yearly across oceans

Humpback whales are famous for their complex songs, sung by males during breeding season. These elaborate tunes, lasting up to 30 minutes, evolve annually within distinct ocean populations, like those in the North Pacific. Researchers, including biologist Katy Payne, observed that all males in a population gradually modify their songs each year, introducing new elements. This cultural evolution happens through learning, as younger whales mimic and refine older males' songs, much like human traditions. This annual turnover helps scientists track population dynamics and aids conservation efforts for this once-endangered species.