killer whale ( orcinus orca )
DESCRIPTION
Killer Whale ( Orcinus orca ). The Basics. B elong to the oceanic dolphin family Found in all oceans Apex predators M atriarchal societies Imitate others, and teach skills to offspring. Are all Orcas the same?. Three to five types of killer whales, possibly different species - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
Killer Whale (Orcinus orca)
The Basics
Belong to the oceanic dolphin familyFound in all oceans Apex predatorsMatriarchal societiesImitate others, and teach skills to offspring
Are all Orcas the same?
Three to five types of killer whales, possibly different species
Resident: eat mostly fish and squid; complex and cohesive family groups; visit the same areas consistently
Transient: eat exclusively marine mammals; live in groups of 2-6 individuals; less persistent family bonds
Offshore: eat mostly schooling fish, may also eat mammals and sharks; live in groups of 20-75 individuals
Genetic data indicate the types have not interbred in the wild for up to 10,000 years.
Mitochondrial DNA sequences support that there are many newly diverged species within the orca category.
First split was about 700,000 years ago
Specs
Largest living members of the dolphin familyMales range 20-26 ft. long and weigh >6 tonsFemales range 16-23 ft. and weigh 3-4 tons Newborn calves are about 400 lbs. Able to reach speeds in excess of 56 km/hLive an average of 40 years in wild; average
of 25 years in captivityTotal population is >50,000
Fish are Food, Not Friends
Hunt in packsDifferent populations specialize eating different kind of prey.Eats 500 lbs. of food per dayCarousel feeding: use bursts of bubbles or flash white
underbelly to herd fish into a ball, which they then slap with their tails to stun or kill fish
Sharks: herd them to the surface and strike them with their tail flukes
Know how to induce tonic immobility in sharks and rays by holding them upside down
Whales: separate whale calves from mothersSometimes harass or kill other animals for no known reason
Sonar
Fun Fact: Dolphin’s sonar is not reflected by fishing nets. This is why they get stuck in nets so often.
Fatty melon and bottom jaw absorb reflected waves
Do not like U.S. Navy sonar
Orca Care
Orcas must be watered at least once per week.As of August 13, 2013, there are 45 orcas in
captivity worldwide, 32 of which are captive-born.
The Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums (AMMPA) goes further, and recommends 1,918 m3 for two killer whales.
US regulations require 615 m3 for two killer whales. That is 48 feet long and 12 feet deep.
Dorsal fin collapseMake sure to vaccinate!
Thoughts?
Who has seen Free Willy?Why should or should not orcas be kept in
captivity?Do you think orcas have cognitive abilities
comparable to those of humans?Should intelligent animals be given human-
like rights under the law?Should we build orcas reverse SCUBA suits
so they can study our societies?