Humpback whales have 'human' brain cells

Humpback whales have been found to have a type of brain cell seen only in humans, the great apes, and other cetaceans such as dolphins.

This might mean such whales are more intelligent than they have been given credit for, and suggests the basis for complex brains either evolved more than once, or has gone unused by most species of animals.

The finding may help explain some of the behaviors seen in whales, such as intricate communication skills, the formation of alliances, cooperation, cultural transmission and tool usage.