The killer whale or orca (Orcinus orca) is a toothed whale belonging to the oceanic dolphin family, of which it is the largest member. source
The killer whale or orca (Orcinus orca) is a toothed whale belonging to the oceanic dolphin family, of which it is the largest member.
Killer whales have a diverse diet, although individual populations often specialize in particular types of prey. source
Killer whales have a diverse diet, although individual populations often specialize in particular types of prey.
Some Killer whales feed exclusively on fish, while others hunt marine mammals such as seals and dolphins. source
Some Killer whales feed exclusively on fish, while others hunt marine mammals such as seals and dolphins.
Killer whales have been known to attack baleen whale calves, and even adult whales. source
Killer whales have been known to attack baleen whale calves, and even adult whales.
Killer whales are apex predators, as there is no animal that preys on them. source
Killer whales are apex predators, as there is no animal that preys on them.
Killer whales are considered a cosmopolitan species, and can be found in each of the world's oceans in a variety of marine environments. source
Killer whales are considered a cosmopolitan species, and can be found in each of the world's oceans in a variety of marine environments.
Wild killer whales are not considered a threat to humans. source
Wild killer whales are not considered a threat to humans.
English-speaking scientists most often use the term "killer whale", although the term "orca" is increasingly used. source
English-speaking scientists most often use the term "killer whale", although the term "orca" is increasingly used.
The oldest known Killer whales (orca), estimated to have been 105 years old at the time of her death. source
The oldest known Killer whales (orca), estimated to have been 105 years old at the time of her death.
The lifespans of wild females killer whales average 50 years. An exception is Granny (J2), source
The lifespans of wild females killer whales average 50 years. An exception is Granny (J2),
On average, a killer whale eats 227 kilograms (500 lb) each day. source
On average, a killer whale eats 227 kilograms (500 lb) each day.
While salmon are usually hunted by an individual or a small group of individuals, herring are often caught using carousel feeding. source
While salmon are usually hunted by an individual or a small group of individuals, herring are often caught using carousel feeding.
The killer whales force the herring into a tight ball by releasing bursts of bubbles or flashing their white undersides. source
The killer whales force the herring into a tight ball by releasing bursts of bubbles or flashing their white undersides.
The killer whales then slap the ball with their tail flukes, either stunning or killing up to 15 fish at a time. source
The killer whales then slap the ball with their tail flukes, either stunning or killing up to 15 fish at a time.
Killer whales are notable for their complex societies. Only elephants and higher primates, such as humans, live in comparably complex social structures. source
Killer whales are notable for their complex societies. Only elephants and higher primates, such as humans, live in comparably complex social structures.