When Twayne was already alone, she was turned on to this sound using underwater speakers – and she began to respond with the same cry. Remarkably, when the researchers decreased or increased the interval between cries, Twayne adjusted. Even when the scientists’ vessel stopped broadcasting the sound, Twayne continued to try to communicate – only to swim off on her own after a while.
Although the study describes only one case, the authors note that this is the first example of interspecies communication where a whale sustained attempts to “talk” for an extended period of time. Getting answers a couple of times per session has worked before, but this is the first time that communication has lasted so long.
The authors of the study note that although it is too early for definite conclusions, their work may serve as a starting point for future attempts to communicate with other intelligent species – on Earth and beyond. This would be useful, provided that another advanced civilisation is curious enough to try to contact us – to reply to one of our messages or send their own.
