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Genetic relatedness in sperm whales: Evidence and cultural implications

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  30 October 2001

Sarah L. Mesnick
Sarah L. Mesnick
Affiliation:
Southwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service–NOAA, La Jolla, CA 92038 sarahlyn@caliban.ucsd.edu swfsc.nmfs.noaa.gov
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Abstract

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Results of genetic analyses show that social groups of female and immature sperm whales are comprised of multiple matrilines as evidenced by the presence of multiple mitochondrial (maternally inherited) control region haplotypes. These data suggest: (1) a social environment in which the transmission of cultural information, such as vocal dialects, is more likely to be horizontal or oblique rather than strictly vertical (mother-offspring) and (2) lead us to question the data presented to support gene-culture coevolution.

Type
Brief Report
Information
Behavioral and Brain Sciences , Volume 24 , Issue 2 , April 2001 , pp. 346 - 347
Copyright
© 2001 Cambridge University Press