What the biggest brain on Earth can do - David Gruber and Shane Gero
259,079 Views
915 Questions Answered
TEDEd Animation
Let’s Begin…
Soon after whaling ships began operating in the North Pacific, an interesting trend emerged. Within just a few years, whalers saw a 58% drop in their successful strikes. Sperm whales had suddenly become harder to kill— they had begun fleeing the boats instead of forming their usual defensive circles. Were whales communicating new strategies to each other? David Gruber and Shane Gero investigate.
Explain how sperm whales changed their strategy for defense from their new human predators in the 1800s? How did it compare to their defense from natural predators like orca? How did sperm whales learn this new way to protect their babies?
Sign in to answer questionAbout TED-Ed Animations
TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »
Meet The Creators
- Educator David Gruber, Shane Gero
- Director Anna Benner
- Narrator Addison Anderson
- Music Raphael Tschernuth
- Sound Designer Raphael Tschernuth
- Director of Production Gerta Xhelo
- Producer Sazia Afrin
- Editorial Director Alex Rosenthal
- Editorial Producer Cella Wright
- Script Editor Charles Wallace
- Fact-Checker Charles Wallace
