How do marine mammals utilize sound?

Marine mammals use sound in a multifunctional way, primarily for navigation and hunting. Sound travels efficiently through water, making it an essential tool for these animals to find their way in their often expansive and featureless underwater environments. Echolocation, employed by species like dolphins and certain types of whales, enables them to determine the distance and size of objects, which is critical for hunting prey and avoiding obstacles.

In addition to navigation, sound is central to the hunting strategies of marine mammals. Many of these species, such as orcas, utilize sophisticated vocalizations and sound patterns to coordinate group hunting tactics and communicate prey locations to one another. This reliance on sound helps them successfully capture food in the murky depths of the ocean where visibility is limited.

While marine mammals do communicate with sound, it is just one aspect of their sound utilization. They also do not generally use sound for resting as the option suggests, nor is it primarily a tool for avoiding predators. Instead, those activities may be supported by their other senses and behavioral adaptations. The ability to effectively use sound is what makes it an invaluable part of their survival strategy.