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For deep-diving whales, plastic garbage may ‘sound’ like food

Echoes coming off prey and plastic are similar, and may confuse whales using echolocation to hunt

This illustration shows a sperm whale in front of a drawing of sound waves on a blue background.

Deep in the darkness of the sea, deep-diving whales use echolocation to hunt (illustrated). But in an ocean full of plastic, such ability could backfire.

Victor Habbick Visions/Science Photo Library

By Gennaro Tomma

In the ocean’s abyss, deep-diving whales use echolocation to hunt in pitch dark. Emitting sounds that bounce off objects gives the whales a clear picture of their surroundings.