Answer: 90 kHz
Notes: Recent research has shown that minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) can hear high-frequency sounds up to 90 kilohertz (kHz), significantly higher than previously thought. This discovery raises concerns about the effects of anthropogenic ocean noise on marine mammals, as it suggests they may be more vulnerable to disturbances than recognized. The study utilized a novel catch-and-release method to measure the whales' auditory sensitivity, emphasizing the need for better understanding and regulatory consideration of noise impacts on baleen whales.
