Network-Based Diffusion Analysis Reveals Cultural Transmission of Lobtail Feeding in Humpback Whales

• DOI: 10.1126/science.1231976
• Publication Date: 2013-04-25T18:10:37Z
• Authors: Jenny Allen; Mason Weinrich; Will Hoppitt; Luke Rendell
• Keywords: Humpback whale; Lineage (genetic)

We used network-based diffusion analysis to reveal the cultural spread of a naturally occurring foraging innovation, lobtail feeding, through population humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) over period 27 years. Support for models with social transmission component was 6 23 orders magnitude greater than without. The spatial and temporal distribution sand lance, prey species, also important in predicting rate acquisition. Our results, coupled existing knowledge about song traditions, show that this species can maintain multiple independently evolving traditions its populations. These insights strengthen case cetaceans represent peak evolution nonhuman culture, independent primate lineage.