It's well known that the click-like form of communication used by sperm whales varies by clan. A recent study suggests the reason for this variation in clicks—or codas—is socially learned behavior.


Sperm whales have culture. Probably. 
It's well known that the click-like form of communication used by sperm whales varies by clan. 
A recent study suggests the reason for this variation in clicks—or codas—is socially learned behavior. 
Each clan consists of several families who share a distinctive dialect or accent. And though whales from different groups don't mingle, they do frequently come across one another. So, geography isn't driving the difference.