Orca (Orcinus orca): Difference between revisions

{{Project species box}}[[File:Type C Orcas 2.jpg|alt=Orca in the Ross Sea|thumb|Orca in the Ross Sea]]Orcas, also known as killer whales, are among the world’s most easily recognised marine mammals. They are the largest member of the dolphin family and are highly intelligent and social animals<ref name=":0">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orca Wikipedia</ref>. Orcas can be found in all of the world's oceans in a variety of marine environments, from Arctic and Antarctic regions to tropical seas. They have a diverse diet, although individual populations often specialize in particular types of prey. Some feed exclusively on fish, while others hunt marine mammals such as seals and other species of dolphin.

Orcas are apex predators, as they have no natural predators. They are highly social; some populations are composed of very stable matrilineal family groups (pods) which are the most stable of any animal species. Their sophisticated hunting techniques and vocal behaviors, which are often specific to a particular group and passed across generations, have been described as manifestations of animal culture<ref name=":0" />.

 

Orcas are apex predators, as they have no natural predators. They are highly social; some populations are composed of very stable matrilineal family groups (pods) which are the most stable of any animal species. Their sophisticated hunting techniques and vocal behaviors, which are often specific to a particular group and passed across generations, have been described as manifestations of animal culture.

Orcas or killer whales have a cosmopolitan distribution and several distinct populations or types have been documented or suggested<ref name=":6">[[wikipedia:Orca_types_and_populations|Orca types and populations]] Wikipedia</ref>. Three to five types of orcas may be distinct enough to be considered different races, subspecies, or possibly even species<ref name=":6" />. The IUCN reported in 2008, "The taxonomy of this genus is clearly in need of review, and it is likely that O. orca will be split into a number of different species or at least subspecies over the next few years."<ref name=":6" />.

In the eastern North Pacific Ocean, there are three distinct types of orcas recognized—transient, resident, and offshore.<ref name=":7">[https://us.whales.org/whales-dolphins/meet-the-different-types-of-orcas/ Meet the different types of orcas] Whale & Dolphin Conservation USA. </ref> Residents live close to shore in large pods of about 10 to 20 individuals and feed primarily on fish³. Offshore orcas are similar to residents but are distinguished by their smaller overall size and rounded, nicked fins.<ref name=":7" />

== Social behaviour ==

Orcas are highly social animals that live in groups or pods where they hunt together and share responsibility for raising young and taking care of the sick or injured.<ref name=":1">[https://medcraveonline.com/IJAWB/orcas-are-social-mammals.html Orcas are social mammals] MedCrave online</ref> They have evolved a complex culture: a suite of behaviors animals learn from one another. They communicate with distinctive calls and whistles and can live 60 years or more. They stay in tight-knit matrilineal groups led by older females that model specific behaviors to younger animals<ref>[https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/understanding-orca-culture-12494696/ Understanding Orca Culture] Smithsonian Magazine</ref>.

Orcas have demonstrated captivating social habits, such as living in highly distinctive lifelong pods, as well as exceptional memory and communication skills (amongst other qualities), which have enabled them to acquire immense popularity amongst cetacean admirers<ref name=":1" />. Based on observations both in captivity and in the wild, orcas seem to exhibit a wide range of emotions, including frustration, anger, fear, joy and even self–awareness, which makes them enthralling to observe as social mammals<ref name=":1" />.