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The hypothesis at the end of the article assumes humpback whales are just acting instinctively. I think it is much more likely that the whales are able to reaso
by a11r 7y ago
The hypothesis at the end of the article assumes humpback whales are just acting instinctively. I think it is much more likely that the whales are able to reason that denying other prey to their babies' predator is a good thing. In addition to keeping the orca population in check and reducing the energy available to them, the humpbacks might also be fully capable of holding a grudge.
- jcampbell1 7y agoAgreed. “You’re a dick, no food for you” seems much more plausible than “seals are cute, so I’ll be nice”.
- 4ntonius8lock 7y agoWhere in the article does it state 'cute' was a factor?
- sliken 7y agoInstinctively? Dunno, whales seem pretty smart. They communicate, they take care of their young, have advanced feeding strategies, and interesting interactions with humans. Seems quite plausible they understand the relationship between feeding, reproduction, and population growth. They are clearly aware that killer whales feed on baby humpback whales. Doesn't seem a stretch that humpbacks would do whatever they can to prevent killer whales from feeding.
- deleted 7y ago[deleted]
- ngcc_hk 7y agoYou can also argue the other way round. Just let them have it would save their attacks on us humpback babies. Not humpback anyway. Starving them with non-humpback, they might try ... selfish conclusion should be not saving. That is why this silly logic is just a non-answer.
- fzeroracer 7y agoI think holding a grudge is entirely reasonable. If crows are able to recognize faces of people who feed them or harm them and spread that information among themselves, it stands to reason that whales might have the same sort of social behaviors.