Hi,
Since we can't read a whale's mind our answers as to why whales jump is
all speculation based on years of observations and experience. It seems
that at least some jumping, especially in calves, is play/fun.
Sometimes a whale will beach a number of times and then defecate so it
my be caused by indigestion or digestion in some cases. There is breach
feeding techniques for some individual whales, and some researchers think
that breaching might be a form on communication technique using the sound
of landing in some manner, maybe location as in "here I am."
I equate trying to define why a whale jumps to why humans make a fist. We
make a fist in threats, triumph, excitment, play, etc. Whales most likely
do NOT breach for only one reason.
I hope that this helps.
Mike Williamson
On Thu, 19 Feb 2004, Abhilash . Jacob wrote:
> I saw a commercial the other day and it showed a whale jumping out of
> the water. I want to know why they jump out of the water. Is there a
> specific reason? Or is it just fun for them? If someone could answer
> this for me that would be cool.
>
> Thanks,
>
>
--
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J. Michael Williamson
Principal Investigator-WhaleNet <http://whale.wheelock.edu>
Associate Professor-Science
Wheelock College, 200 The Riverway, Boston, MA 02215
voice: 617.879.2256
fax: 617.879.2417, or 978.468.0073
"Mother, Mother Ocean, I have heard your call,
Wanted to sail upon your waters, since I was three feet tall"
Jimmy Buffett
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