Why do seals clap

Clapping underwater, however, requires more coordination—and perhaps a keen ear. As his camera panned over a group of seals, including one female, a bull seal swam in close and clapped seven times in a row.

The authors compare the move to a gorilla beating its chest, serving both as a warning to other males and an invitation to females. Why is this unusual? Photo provided by Ben Burville. Grey seals use their short paw-like forelimbs to make loud clapping sounds underwater. Filmed by Ben Burville. Illustrations by David Hocking. Why do grey seals clap? So why do they do it?

Do other marine mammals clap? Australian sea lions have long flipper-like forelimbs that may create too much drag to clap effectively underwater. Read more: When mammals took to water they needed a few tricks to eat their underwater prey Even if clapping were unique to grey seals, it seems the sharp signal it generates is important for many marine mammals. Wild harbour seal slapping the water to create a loud noise - possibly to scare fish out of hiding so that they can be caught. What should we learn from this?

But if we do not know a behaviour exists, we cannot easily act to protect it. Urine test can detect cancers in Lynch Syndrome patients Researchers have shown for the first time it is possible to detect signs of urothelial cancer using a simple urine test in Lynch Syndrome patients who are at high risk of developing tumours.

Grey seals discovered clapping underwater to communicate. Retrieved November 11, from www. But not all seals are the same: some swim with their front flippers while others Yet, a seal pup born in was found to be an almost perfect Research reveals a behavior thought to be less likely in marine tetrapods is actually The presence of grey wolves in German forests has little influence on the parasite burden of hunting dogs, according to a new ScienceDaily shares links with sites in the TrendMD network and earns revenue from third-party advertisers, where indicated.

Print Email Share. Perhaps larger species such as sea lions are prevented from doing it by increased water resistance. Even if clapping were unique to grey seals, it seems the sharp signal it generates is important for many marine mammals. Several dolphins, whales and seals produce similar sounds via tail or flipper slaps, or even gunshot-like vocalisations.

The oceans are a noisy place, after all, and it can be important to stand out in a crowd. Clapping seems to be an important social behaviour, so anything that disturbs it may impact breeding success and survival.

Human noise pollution is known to interfere with other forms of marine mammal communication, including whale song. Loud industrial noises could disturb grey seals and other species that rely on acoustic signals in similar ways. Understanding the animals around us better can, therefore, help us to protect them and their way of life.

Humpback whale spits out very lucky sea lion. Counting penguins and trying not to get blown away. Underwater photographer of the year. Ask Ben Burville Write down five questions you would like to ask Ben about his job and his study of seals.