In Antarctica, humpback whales dive into the sea and blow columns of bubbles upwards, creating a trap to ensnare their prey.
A pair of humpback whales create a bubble web. Video : Piet van den Bemd
Photographer Piet van den Bemd used a drone to capture a unique scene in the deep blue waters of Antarctica, Science Alert reported on January 10th. Pale blue bubbles rose to the surface, forming a shape very similar to the Fibonacci spiral – a famous mathematical pattern frequently appearing in the natural world , from plants to animals. When the spiral was complete, Bemd realized the creator was a pair of humpback whales. They surfaced in the middle of the spiral, opening their enormous mouths wide to feed.
For over 30 years, researchers have recognized that humpback whales use their bubbles as a tool. Sometimes, bubbles are used to intimidate rivals, or even as a form of entertainment. Other times, whales create giant bubble "walls" to trap fish and shrimp in increasingly confined spaces. This is a "bubble net" feeding tactic, performed in cooperation between two or more humpback whales.
In the bubble net hunting tactic, whales dive deep while blowing bubbles upwards. When working in a group, one whale typically takes on the primary role of blowing bubbles, while the others swim around and herd the fish into the trap.
After the fish are cornered, the whale opens its mouth wide and begins to swallow its prey. They often lunge through the center of the spiral. This strategy appears to be taught among individuals, but due to the humpback whale's elusive lifestyle, it is rarely captured on camera. To date, the bubble net feeding strategy has been primarily observed in whale populations in the Northern Hemisphere.
Amateur scientists using drones are helping to change this. Aerial footage provides scientists with valuable information about whale life. In the Southern Hemisphere, drones have captured several instances of humpback whales feeding with bubble nets in recent years.
Thu Thao (According to Science Alert )
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