THE FUSE

Humpback whales are already known for spectacular breaches, haunting songs, and advanced hunting techniques, but researchers are now focused on another mystery spreading across marine science circles. Videos and field observations showing whales floating near the ocean surface with their mouths hanging open have triggered intense debate among experts. The unusual activity, now widely referred to as humpback whale gaping behavior, has become one of the latest examples of humpback whales baffling scientists.