tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3970777878498844654.post5723963561694400209..comments2023-09-28T21:53:43.293-07:00Comments on Orca Watcher: "Flex": Redefining Our Understanding of the Western Gray WhaleMonikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10442975942250078450noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3970777878498844654.post-49138229910550136792011-02-02T13:22:30.609-08:002011-02-02T13:22:30.609-08:00There have been recent discoveries of both an Anta...There have been recent discoveries of both an Antarctic Minke Whale and a hybrid North Atlantic x Antarctic Minke in Norwegian whaling kills via DNA analysis. As with many bird populations previously believed to be genetically isolated, I think we will be discovering that gene flow within closely related clades of marine mammals that are highly mobile and migratory is more common than currently thought. The ocean temperature barriers along the equator that separate many northern and southern hemisphere whales today frequently disappear and reappear with climatic change. Barriers separating West Pacific and East Pacific Gray Whales are even less significant and probably reflect choices based on the energetics of reaching distant wintering grounds. Now that so few West Pacific Grays exist, some may be seeking larger aggregations on the eastern side for better breeding success.Mark - Sea Quest Kayak Tourshttp://www.sea-quest-kayak.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3970777878498844654.post-75029262015909725472011-01-31T12:45:25.985-08:002011-01-31T12:45:25.985-08:00Hey Dave -
It's certainly possible he's ...Hey Dave - <br /><br />It's certainly possible he's going that far to breed - seems a bit odd, since genetic evidence points to the eastern/western gray whale being different stocks, but who knows? There are a lot of humpback whale stocks in the Pacific that are isolated during the summer feeding season and meet up at the same winter breeding grounds and thus aren't really the exclusive populations they seem to be for much of the year.<br /><br />Of course now the question will be are all the whales are doing this, or if Flex is just an odd ball...but either way I really hope the tag keeps transmitting at least a few more weeks!Monikahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10442975942250078450noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3970777878498844654.post-80611510225120281202011-01-31T12:08:42.233-08:002011-01-31T12:08:42.233-08:00Not much can be deduced from one whale but what is...Not much can be deduced from one whale but what is the possiblility of a male travelling that distance for breeding purposes? Could it be that the eastern and western populations are not mutually exclusive - any thoughts Monika<br /><br />Cheers<br /><br />DavoLancashire and Lakeland Outback Adventure Wildlife Safarishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14531370350323901851noreply@blogger.com