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Whales seem to like a bit of dress-up, and scientists have been curious after observing more than 100 whales wearing hats made of kelp. The strange habit seems to be common among whales from most species, including humpbacks, and southern and northern right whales. But the experts seemed to have figured out why. Previous studies have noted that whales sometimes 'play' with ocean plants, but these were considered rare and only in places where the kelp and whales were both common.
Barnacles and lice attach themselves to these sea creatures and as kelp is a very tough marine plant, it can be used to brush off these annoying critters. The seaweed also has antibacterial properties, so it helps to reduce bacterial growth on their skin. Several whales have sensory hairs around their jaws and heads and whirling through the kelp creates a tickling sensation that might be as soothing for them as a gentle massage.
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