Information and Facts
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Facts about Killer Whales, Habitat, Feeding, Anatomy, Evolution
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Introduction to Killer Whales
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Top Killer Whale Facts 
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Killer Whales, also known as Orcas, rule the sea. The only dangers they face are humans, as there is no other creature in the sea that could possibly be a threat to them.
Killer Whales are top predators capable of attack even other species of whales and several other sea mammals
like seals or sea lions. Still, they are considered one of the most magnificent animals in the world.
Killer Whale
Anatomy
Killer whales belong to the order Delphinidae, so they are actually dolphins, even though they are called “Whales”.
In fact, Killer Whales are the largest dolphin, since they are 30 feet long and 10,000 pounds in average when they
are fully grown.
According to scientific research, male killer whales can live as long as
60 years, while female killer whales reach up to 90 years old.
The look of the killer whales is also very attractive and interesting with a combination of black with white parts
giving killer whales an unparallel appearance.
Killer Whales have a large sickle shaped dorsal fin, and large flippers that are typical of all dolphins. This
dorsal fin is located at the top of the killer whales and they are easily seen when the killer whales are close,
because large males can have dorsal fins as long as six feet tall.
Killer whales are great swimmers as most dolphins, reaching travel speeds up to 30 miles per hour.
As dolphins, killer whales have one blow hole at the top of their heads, and they breathe air in above the surface
of the water through this blow hole.
Killer Whale Social
Life
Killer whales live grouped in small pods which operate with a sophisticated social structure. These pods are
formed by groups from 6 to 40 killer whales and they stay together during their whole life.
Killer whale pods perform complex tasks which include protection for the young, sick or injured as well as team
work for hunting.
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The breeding season for killer whales range from winter to early spring and it is usually performed in warm waters. Calves are born between October and March after a gestation period of 16-17 months.
Calves are born typically weighing 400 pounds and measuring from 6 to 8 feet long and they are able to swim beside their mother within thirty minutes of being born. In most cases, each female only gives birth to one calf.
After birth, calves are nursed by their mothers and midwives for up to 12 months and sometimes even longer until they are able to take care of themselves.
Killer whale Feeding
Killer whales usually survive on a diet of fish, squid, sharks, whales, seals, sea turtles, octopus, penguins, and sea gulls.
They have powerful teeth which typically are about 3 inches long, and 1 inch in diameter.
A common killer whale usually eats 550 pounds of food each day at least and they can travel hundreds of miles in order to catch seasonal prey.
Killer Whale Communication
Killer whales make a variety of sounds which include clicks, whistles, and even scream. These sounds are used to communicate with each other when hunting and mating. Each pod even has its own characteristic sounds, which help members to recognize each other.
Killer Whale Habitat
Killer Whales are found in every ocean in the world as they can be found in tropical waters, as well as arctic waters. They can be found near coastal waters, as well as deep waters.
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Killer Whale Information |
Header image courtesy of NOAA.
Copyright 2009 Infoqis Publishing, Co.