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Scientists have recently discovered that certain whales have the ability to turn down their hearing when they anticipate a loud noise.

Researchers conducted a series of tests with a trained false killer whale, Kina, in which they played a softer neutral sound just before a five-second long louder sound approximately as loud as a gunshot. They monitored Kina’s response by placing sensors along her body in order to measure electrical activity in her brain.

They found that eventually Kina began to anticipate the louder noise after hearing the softer neutral noise and would turn down her hearing in anticipation.

Although it is uncertain why exactly some whales have developed this ability, scientists believe it may have evolved in response to the loud noises they make while hunting.

Read more in the BBC Nature article.