Orca
Morphology
The killer whale has a Bilateral symmetry. It is the largest member of the dolphin family, and one of the most distinctive of all cetaceans. The killer whale is the world’s largest predator of warm-blooded animals , and the only cetacean to routinely hunt marine mammals, including seals, sea lions, dolphins and sea otter. The killer whale strikingly marked black and white. All black on the upper-parts sometimes a gray patch around the dorsal fins, and white on the underparts.
Biology
The orca is the largest predator of warm-blooded, and the only cetacean to routinely
hunt marine mammals, including seals, sea lions, dolphins and sea otters.The orca will even kill large whales, and also hunts fish including sharks and rays, squid, octopuses, sea turtles and seabirds, such as penguins. Male orcas reach sexual maturity at around 15 years, but do not become physically mature until about 21, while females reach sexual maturity in their early teens. Breeding can occur during any time of the year. Mostly from October and March. Female orca's give birth to one single calf after a period of gestation period of around 15 to 18 months, they only give birth every 3-8 years. Once the female orca reaches the age of 40 she will no longer breed, but she will take the responsibility as a grandmother and teach young orcas important experiences to the young relatives. Orca's only up to 90 years old.
Description Map
Importance
Ecological- Top predators play an important role in structuring terrestrial and marine ecosystems. Killer whales are a top predator in the North Pacific ecosystem. However, their ecological role, particularly with respect to their impact on marine mammal populations, is not fully understood.
Economic- Killer whales are hunted and used for many things. In various parts of the world, they are used for oil and meat. Meat is sold for human consumption or used for fertilizer or bait.
Facts
- Although it is also known as the killer whale, the orca is actually the largest species of dolphin
- Found throughout all of the world's oceans, the orca is thought to be the most widespread mammal after humans
- Orca populations may differ in appearance and behavior and often specialize on particular prey
- The orca commonly hunts marine mammals and it is the world's largest predator of warm-blooded animals
Vocabulary
Echolocation
Detecting objects by reflected sound. Used by bats and odontocete cetaceans (toothed whales, dolphins and porpoises) for orientation and to detect and locate prey.
Subspecies
A population usually restricted to a geographical area that differs from other populations of the same species, but not to the extent of being classified as a separate species.
Taxonomy
The science of classifying organisms, grouping together animals which share common features and are thought to have a common ancestor.
Temperate
Referring to the geographical region that lies between the polar and tropical regions, characterized by a moderate climate with distinct seasons.
Cetaceans
A group comprising all whales, dolphins and porpoises.
Echolocation
Detecting objects by reflected sound. Used by bats and odontocete cetaceans (toothed whales, dolphins and porpoises) for orientation and to detect and locate prey.
Subspecies
A population usually restricted to a geographical area that differs from other populations of the same species, but not to the extent of being classified as a separate species.
Taxonomy
The science of classifying organisms, grouping together animals which share common features and are thought to have a common ancestor.
Temperate
Referring to the geographical region that lies between the polar and tropical regions, characterized by a moderate climate with distinct seasons.
Cetaceans
A group comprising all whales, dolphins and porpoises.