Correct option is B
The ability of marine mammals to communicate over long distances in the ocean is primarily due to the higher density of water compared to air. Sound travels faster and further in water than in air because water is denser than air. This higher density allows sound waves to propagate more efficiently, making communication over long distances possible. While many marine mammals do use high-frequency sound (ultrasound) for echolocation and communication, the physical property that enables the long-range transmission of sound in the ocean is the density of water.
Information Booster:
- The higher density of water compared to air is crucial for the transmission of sound waves. In water, sound waves are less likely to dissipate, allowing for more effective communication. The denser medium (water) allows sound to travel much farther than it would in air, which is why marine mammals can communicate across vast distances in the ocean.
- Marine mammals, like dolphins and whales, use these properties of sound transmission to their advantage. They produce vocalizations or clicks that travel over long distances to communicate or use echolocation for navigation and hunting.
Additional Information:
- Their ability to communicate using ultrasound: While many marine mammals do use high-frequency sounds (ultrasound), the primary reason they can communicate over long distances in the ocean is due to the physical properties of sound transmission in denser water. Ultrasound is a tool they use, but the water's density is the more critical factor.
- Lower oxygen levels in the open ocean: This is unrelated to communication. Oxygen levels don't impact the sound transmission properties of water.
- Water filtering out high-frequency sounds: On the contrary, water transmits high-frequency sounds well, and in fact, these sounds (like clicks used in echolocation) can travel far in water.
