Humpback whales in different oceans should be recognized as separate species, says genetic study

Saturday, May 24th 2014 - 00:16 UTC

Full article 6 comments

A new genetic study has revealed that populations of humpback whales in the oceans of the North Pacific, North Atlantic and Southern Hemisphere are much more distinct from each other than previously thought, and should be recognized as separate subspecies. Read full article

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Stevie
Can we vote on this one, or shall we simply disagree, as usual?
May 24th, 2014 - 12:48 am - Link - Report abuse 0
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Andy Scott the spark
So whales that look similar, separated from each and mix very rarely but can still interbreed with each are a bit darker in colour get to be called a different species and Humans are .....all the same species. mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm
May 24th, 2014 - 03:13 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
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GeoffWard2
There is so little migration between Australasia and the high Arctic, and so very little interbreeding between the two populations that I feel sure we should re-classify inuits as a different sub-species c.f. the Australian aboriginals.

Lumpers -v - Splitters; the old, old debate.
May 24th, 2014 - 04:59 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
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ilsen
@1 Stevie. You/we don't get to vote on this.
Voting involves politics and opinions, do try to keep up!
This is called Science. It's factual. Do you want vote on if the Sun goes round the Moon, or what is scientifically proven otherwise?
Enjoy your Flat Earth, Just try not to fall of the end......
May 25th, 2014 - 06:11 am - Link - Report abuse 0
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reality check
All whale hunting should be universally banned.

Killing these beautiful, fantastic creatures is an obscenity.

Is it the Aussie navy that protects them from hunting in their area?

Good on yer!
May 25th, 2014 - 06:09 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
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ChrisR
“This research brought together researchers from the British Antarctic Survey, Oregon State University, Florida State University, James Cook University, University of Auckland, Fundacion CEQUA, Wildlife Conservation Society, the American Museum of Natural History and the South Pacific Whale Research Consortium, with funding from the New Zealand Royal Society Marsden Fund and the Lenfest Ocean Program.”

What, NO argies involved even though they own the South Atlantic and all the whales in it?

Who would have thought it?

Good work though from the usual countries including Chile.
May 25th, 2014 - 07:19 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
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