Today in our marine biology lecture, we will discuss the migration patterns of the humpback whale. These whales travel up to 16,000 kilometers each year from their feeding grounds in cold polar waters to breeding grounds in tropical seas. Interestingly, they do not feed during migration, relying entirely on stored fat. Researchers use photo-identification to track individuals, noting the unique patterns on their tail flukes. A recent study found that calves learn migration routes from their mothers, and this knowledge is passed down through generations. However, climate change is affecting water temperatures, which may alter these traditional routes.