Recent scientific investigations have revealed the evolutionary ties of the famed killer whale, Old Tom, to contemporary killer whales in New Zealand. This discovery suggests the possible local extinction of Old Tom’s group. The research also aims to reframe Eden’s whaling history, highlighting the deep relationship between Indigenous Australians and killer whales. Source: SciTechPost.com
For the first time, evolutionary biologists have decoded the genetic heritage of a notable killer whale from Australia.
This groundbreaking work uncovers the genetic origins of a distinguished killer whale, known for its cooperative role with human whalers off the coast of New South Wales.
The group’s leader, Old Tom, who gained fame for aiding whalers in the 20th century, is now found to share genetic links with modern-day killer whales in New Zealand, based on recent DNA analysis.
Old Tom is also genetically related to killer whales from regions including Australasia, the North Pacific, and North Atlantic Oceans, but shows the closest resemblance to those in New Zealand. However, his genetic makeup is largely unique, indicating the possible local extinction of the Eden killer whales.
Illustration highlighting the ancestry research of “Old Tom”, a key figure in the historical human-whale hunting collaboration. Credit: Isabella Reeves at Flinders University
The Distinctive Tale and Ongoing Research of Old Tom
Old Tom and his group, known as the killers of Eden, aided human whalers in their hunts, receiving parts of the whale carcasses as rewards, in what was known as the “Law of the Tongue.”
This iconic collaboration between the whalers and Old Tom’s pod developed strong intergenerational ties. Old Tom, measuring 6.7 meters and weighing six tonnes, is currently exhibited at the Eden Killer Whale Museum, having been found washed ashore in 1930.
DNA analysis conducted on Old Tom at the Eden Killer Whale Museum, Australia. Credit: Charlie White
The study, led by PhD candidate Isabella Reeves of Flinders University and the Cetacean Research Centre, along with an international team, employed ancient DNA techniques to trace Old Tom’s genetic lineage, comparing his DNA with that of killer whales worldwide.
In collaboration with Thaua Traditional Custodian Steven Holmes, the team has also offered fresh perspectives in a bid to provide a decolonized account of the Killers of Eden, a story previously undocumented.
Map of Twofold Bay, NSW, Australia. Credit: Isabella Reeves
Reeves’ Discoveries and the Indigenous Link
Lead researcher Isabella Reeves notes that although no direct descendants of Old Tom were identified, the genetic comparisons reveal that Tom’s DNA variation aligns with other killer whales, suggesting their local extinction today.
“Our study not only tracked the genetic roots of Old Tom but also explored the decolonized history of Eden’s whaling, in collaboration with Indigenous Custodians. It’s a narrative that intertwines people and whales, underscoring the importance of recognizing the Indigenous Australians’ role in this history,” says Reeves.
Research at Flinders University on Old Tom’s ancient DNA and the Eden killer whales. Credit: Andrew Foote
The Thaua people of Twofold Bay, part of the Yuin nation, had a spiritual and practical relationship with the killer whales, which was integral due to their reliance on marine resources.
“The study corrects historical misrepresentations and sheds light on the origin of Eden’s killer whales and the broader history of Australasian killer whales,” explains Reeves.
Old Tom’s skeleton display at the Eden Killer Whale Museum. Credit: Charlie White
Steven Holmes, a Traditional Custodian, highlights the enduring bond between the Thaua people and the Eden whales, particularly Old Tom.
“Our legends say that when a Thaua member passes away, they are reborn as a killer whale. This bond manifested in the collaboration during whale hunts in Twofold Bay, a practice celebrated as the Law of the Tongue,” shares Holmes.
The research, titled “Ancestry testing of ‘Old Tom,’ a killer whale central to mutualistic interactions with human whalers,” was published on 12 October 2023 in the Journal of Heredity. The study received support from the Royal Society of South Australia, the Playford Trust Foundation, the Australian Government, and the European Research Council.
Table of Contents
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Old Tom Killer Whale
Who was Old Tom and what is his significance in this research?
Old Tom was a renowned killer whale known for assisting human whalers off the coast of New South Wales in the 20th century. This research has uncovered his genetic connections to modern-day killer whales in New Zealand, suggesting the local extinction of his kind and decolonizing the history of Eden’s whaling, highlighting the relationship between Indigenous Australians and killer whales.
What are the key findings of the study about Old Tom and the killer whales of Eden?
The study reveals that Old Tom shares a significant portion of his genetic makeup with modern New Zealand killer whales, but most of his DNA code is not found in other killer whales globally. This suggests that the killer whales of Eden may have become extinct locally. Additionally, the research aimed to decolonize the history of Eden’s whaling by emphasizing the historic bond between Indigenous Australians and killer whales.
How was the research on Old Tom’s genetic lineage conducted?
The research was led by Isabella Reeves at Flinders University and involved a global team. They employed ancient DNA techniques, sequencing Old Tom’s DNA and comparing it with that of killer whales around the world. This effort aimed to trace Old Tom’s genetic lineage and understand the genetic history of the killer whales of Eden.
What is the significance of the Indigenous Australian connection in this study?
The study acknowledges and explores the deep and historic relationship between Indigenous Australians and the killer whales in Eden. By collaborating with Thaua Traditional Custodian Steven Holmes, the researchers gained new insights and aimed to provide a decolonized account of the Killers of Eden, recognizing the Indigenous Australians’ initiation of the relationship with the killer whales before European colonization and the advent of commercial whaling.
More about Old Tom Killer Whale
- SciTechPost.com
- Journal of Heredity: Old Tom Research
- Eden Killer Whale Museum
- Flinders University Cetacean Research
- Royal Society of South Australia Grants
- Australian Government Research Funding
- European Research Council Projects
