Orca Description
Killer Whale defined and explained with descriptions. Killer Whale is a large, toothed whale. Also called "orcas," they are very intelligent predators.
Orcinus orca is the only extant species recognized in the genus Orcinus and one of many species originally described by Carl Linnaeus in his landmark 1758 10th edition of Systema Naturae. [14] Conrad Gessner wrote the first scientific description of an orca in his Piscium & aquatilium animantium natura of 1558, part of the larger Historia animalium, based on examination of a dead stranded. Description Orcas, also known as killer whales, are among the world's most easily recognized marine mammals.
Orca Life Cycle For Kids
The largest member of the dolphin family, orcas are highly intelligent and social animals, spending their lives in groups or pods where they hunt together and share responsibility for raising young and taking care of the sick or injured. Ten facts about orcas (killer whales) Orcas are the largest member of the dolphin family. A male orca can be nearly 33 feet (10 meters) in length and weigh around 22,000 pounds (10,000kg).
Orcas are highly intelligent and able to coordinate hunting tactics. Female orcas are thought to live to 80 years of age or more. The dorsal fin of a male orca is up to 6 feet (2 meters) tall.
Featured Animal: Killer Whale (aka Orca) - Animal Fact Guide
Orcas are. Killer whale, largest member of the dolphin family (Delphinidae). The killer whale is easy to identify by its size and its striking coloration: jet black on top and pure white below with a white patch behind each eye, another extending up each flank, and a variable 'saddle patch' just behind the dorsal fin.
What are orcas? Orcas, or killer whales, are the largest of the dolphins and one of the world's most powerful predators. They're immediately recognizable by their distinctive black. The killer whale is the largest member of the dolphin family.
Types of Orca Whales in the Ocean
The population of Southern Resident killer whales in the Pacific Northwest is one of the most critically endangered marine mammals. Learn about our work to protect and conserve killer whales. Orcinus Orca is one of the most widely-distributed marine mammals in the world, and is the world's largest species of dolphin.
They are known as Orcas, Killer Whales or - off the west coast of North America - Blackfish. They are found in all of the world's major oceans, covering all latitudes, and inhabit both coastal waters and open oceans. The "orca pack" technique involves beaching (or jumping briefly on land) to scare seals and penguins into the water.
Then, once the prey splashes into the water, the orca pod is ready and waiting to feed. Did you know that orca pods are led by females. Orcinus orca killer whale (Also: orca) By Emily Burnett Geographic Range Habitat Physical Description Reproduction Lifespan/Longevity Behavior Communication and Perception Food Habits Predation Ecosystem Roles Economic Importance for Humans: Positive Economic Importance for Humans: Negative Conservation Status Other Comments Contributors References.
