* Frequency Range: Whales can hear sounds from as low as 5 Hz (very low, like an earthquake) to as high as 120 kHz (ultrasonic, way beyond what humans can hear). This is a remarkable range, covering about 6-7 octaves.
* Human Comparison: Humans, on the other hand, can hear sounds from about 20 Hz to 20 kHz. So, whales can hear sounds much lower and much higher than we can.
Why do whales need such a wide range?
* Communication: Whale songs and calls, used for mating, navigation, and social interactions, often fall into the lower frequencies. This allows them to communicate over vast distances.
* Echolocation: Some whales, particularly toothed whales, use echolocation to navigate and hunt. This involves emitting high-frequency clicks and analyzing the echoes that bounce back, allowing them to "see" in the dark or murky water.
Important Note: The exact hearing range varies depending on the whale species. For instance, baleen whales tend to specialize in lower frequencies, while toothed whales can hear higher frequencies.