The humpback earned its common name from its swimming style, in which its arched, or humped, back lifts out of the water. But to many scientists, the humpback's flukes are a far more interesting part of the whale's body. That's because each whale has uniquely shaped and colored tail fins that can be used to identify specific whales. No two whales are alike. Sometimes, the whales are given light-hearted names, such as Lace or Dappled, that reflect their markings.
Scientists disagree on the meaning of whale behaviors.
Using specially modified crossbows and rifles, they fire customized darts at the whales to collect tiny bits of flesh, which are then used to genetically fingerprint the animals. The genetic information allows researchers not only to identify specific animals, but also to work out family relationships. Such information could be key to protecting humpbacks and ensuring their survival. But it may shed little light on the behaviors, from lobtailing to singing, that captivate many who come to know the whales. While many researchers agree that the whales are using both their bodies and voices to communicate, there is little consensus on exactly what each behavior means.