A whale with a distinctly human-like voice

[Hugabear]

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2012-10/cp-aww101812.php

For the first time, researchers have been able to show by acoustic analysis that whales—or at least one very special white whale—can imitate the voices of humans. That's a surprise, because whales typically produce sounds in a manner that is wholly different from humans, say researchers who report their findings in the October 23 issue of Current Biology, a Cell Press publication.

"Our observations suggest that the whale had to modify its vocal mechanics in order to make the speech-like sounds," said Sam Ridgway of the National Marine Mammal Foundation. "Such obvious effort suggests motivation for contact."

You can also listen to the "whale voice" here: http://www.eurekalert.org/multimedia/pub/48866.php?from=224114

[Tumbulu]

1. My daughter can vocalize like a number of birds

and they respond to her repeatedly. It is uncanny and unusual.

I think it is only a matter of time before we humans, with the help of computers will be able to decipher the languages of these other creatures.

I hope it happens in my lifetime.

[Marrah_G]

2. whoa.............

folks you have to take a listen to that...... wow!

[FiveGoodMen]

3. "So long and thanks for all the fish?"

[Hugabear]

4. I was thinking along the lines of Star Trek IV

n/t

[FiveGoodMen]

5. "Now, everyone remember where we parked?"

[RagAss]

6. "How the frig is Romeny not down by 30 points?"