Why does a Beluga whale's learned click repertoire, used for echolocation, show geographic variation that is distinct from their innate vocalizations?

💡 Explanation

Beluga click repertoire variation arises from cultural transmission, because whales learn specific click patterns that enhance their foraging success in local environments. This social learning allows them to adapt to prey distributions; therefore, learned repertoires diverge geographically, rather than simply reflecting neurological constraints or genetic variations.

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