Recent investigations highlighted a phenomenon that, although observed decades ago, now arouses the interest of the international scientific community: the emergence of perfectly formed rings in the waters of the Atlantic and the Pacific. Its origin continues to raise hypotheses, but there is a new track that points in an unexpected direction.
According to researchers at the University of California, in collaboration with the Seti Institute, known worldwide for the work in seeking extraterrestrial intelligence, those responsible for these circles may after all are some of the most fascinating inhabitants on the planet: the jubart whales.
Senior video behavior
According to Marine Mammal Science magazine, the study analyzed twelve documented episodes in which nearly 40 apparently created underwater rings intentionally was recorded by whales.
In nine of these cases, the cetaceans approached human vessels shortly before or soon after forming the bubble circles.
This behavior has gained visibility after the rediscovery of a 1988 dated recording. The video shows a whale to produce, over ten minutes, multiple bubble rings in sequence – rekindling the debate between marine biologists and animal communication specialists.
Signs or joke?
The investigation suggests that the phenomenon may not only be playful. “There is an noticeable intent in this type of action,” explains the authors.
According to Fred Sharpe, Biologist Marinho and one of the researchers involved, which is observed “is almost like receiving a sign of another intelligence.”
Sharpe’s analogy points to the possibility of whales to develop a new form of visual communication. “It is as if, instead of emitting sounds, they use the sneeze to ‘write’ in the water,” he describes, referring to the breathing hole of cetaceans.
A discovery with old roots
Although bubble rings have already been referenced earlier in the context of cooperative diet, the hypothesis that they can be used to interact with humans brings a new layer of complexity to observe this behavior.
Scientists warn, however, that it is still early to establish definitive conclusions. “We are missing a wider number of records and data to realize the true function of these standards,” the researchers say in the publication.
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Jubart whales: a species that continues to surprise
Whale-Jubarte is known for its intelligence, complex vocalizations and sophisticated social behaviors.
This new study joins a series of investigations that seek to better understand the cognition of these marine animals, often considered among the smartest of the animal kingdom.
According to, understanding nonverbal behavioral patterns in elevated cognitive species can also help develop models for the detection of nonhuman intelligence, both on earth and outside it.
Scientific curiosity and future implications
The phenomenon continues to generate speculation between researchers and the general public. Social networks have been the scene of debates about the meaning of these circles, with some suggesting symbolic or even ritual motivations.
For now, scientists advocate a cautious approach. “What we know is that there is a consistency in standards and a tendency to occur in the presence of humans, but we need much more information,” says Sharpe.
A sign of nature or something else?
Regardless of the final explanation, the rings of bubbles generated by jubart whales represent a remarkable example of how nature continues to surprise, and to challenge the boundaries of our understanding of communication between species.
Whether it’s sophisticated sign, play or social behavior, the investigation is far from over. And the questions it leaves in the air may in themselves more revealing than any immediate response.
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