Beluga whales keep switching mates and it may be saving their species

Scientists studying beluga whales in Alaska's Bristol Bay discovered that these Arctic creatures exhibit a surprisingly open mating system, with both males and females frequently switching partners over their lifetimes. This flexibility could be key to the species' survival by promoting genetic diversity, which helps populations adapt to changing environments. Understanding this dynamic provides valuable insight into how certain marine species maintain resilience, potentially informing conservation strategies for other endangered whale populations.