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Whaling's Genetic Scars Haunt Humpback Whale Recovery

12/28/2025

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Summary

Story summary

A University of Groningen study shows whaling left lasting genetic scars in humpback whales, even as their numbers rebounded.
The study analyzed genomes from modern and historical samples and found reduced genetic diversity and more moderately harmful mutations.
The recovery in numbers does not reflect genetic health.
The findings are published in Science Advances.

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Story summary

A University of Groningen study shows whaling left lasting genetic scars in humpback whales, even as their numbers rebounded.
The study analyzed genomes from modern and historical samples and found reduced genetic diversity and more moderately harmful mutations.
The recovery in numbers does not reflect genetic health.
The findings are published in Science Advances.