At what frequency are whales capable of making sound?

Prepare for the RP 33 Fleet Oceanographic and Acoustic Reference Manual Test with quizzes and flashcards. Discover helpful explanations and insights with every question. Excel in your exam with comprehensive preparation!

Whales have the ability to produce sounds across a wide range of frequencies, but many species are particularly noted for their vocalizations within the lower frequency range, typically around 10 Hz to 30 kHz. Among the choices given, 50 Hz falls within a range that many baleen whales, such as blue whales and humpback whales, frequently use for communication over long distances. The sounds produced by these whales, including moans, whistles, and songs, have been documented at frequencies around 50 Hz, making this choice relevant.

Whales are capable of producing sounds below 20 Hz, but sounds around 50 Hz are particularly significant for the range and types of communication that these animals engage in, especially as they are used for navigation and social interaction. This frequency can facilitate better transmission through water over long distances, which is important for species that rely on sound for their ecological needs. Thus, 50 Hz is a representative frequency associated with whale vocalizations.

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