Sperm whales may share a sense of time with elephants

Nature · Published 21 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Deep in the ocean, sperm whales emit clicks that sound like underwater jackhammers. Yet, beneath these harsh noises lies a communication system so complex it mirrors human vowels. Researchers now suspect these giants might perceive time in a way that is more similar to elephants than to us.

For over 50 million years, whales and dolphins have evolved to dominate the ocean, transforming from land-dwelling mammals into deep-diving titans. This evolutionary journey resulted in extraordinary adaptations, including advanced echolocation and the ability to hold their breath in extreme underwater environments. Among these survivors, the sperm whale stands out for its sophisticated social behaviors and mysterious vocalizations. These creatures possess unique biology tailored for the abyss. Their bodies are built for extreme survival in a world of pressure. They have developed specialized traits to thrive in these deep-sea habitats.

While humpback whales are known for melodic songs, sperm whales produce powerful staccato clicks. However, a study led by linguist Gašper Beguš of UC Berkeley has revealed that these clicks contain elements functioning similarly to human vowels. This suggests a level of nuance and complexity in their communication that was previously underestimated. To uncover this, Project CETI spent five years documenting hundreds of whales off the coast of Dominica. The research team utilized a custom machine-learning model to filter the data. This technology helped identify specific vocalizations for closer study. The project aims to spark a new movement for species conservation.

The breakthrough came from an unexpected cross-species comparison. Researchers observed that elephants often wait several minutes to respond to their names, suggesting they do not operate on the same immediate timeframe as humans. This led Beguš to hypothesize that sperm whales—which can live around 70 years and have hearts that beat only twice a minute—might experience time similarly to elephants. By using machine-learning models to analyze over a thousand recordings, the team is working to decode a language that may be defined by a much slower, more deliberate pace of interaction. These massive mammals have a gestation period lasting between 14 and 16 months. They also nurse their young for up to eight years. Their slow heart rates may reflect a slower communication style.

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