Killer Whales.

Killer Whales.

Killer whales, or orcas, are the world's largest dolphins. They are also very powerful predators. They are fast swimmers and can maneuver themselves very well in the water. The bodies of killer whales are streamlined and sleek. They have adapted to living in very cold waters. They live in all the oceans of the world are most numerous in the Arctic and Southern Oceans. Underneath their skin, killer whales have a thick layer of body fat, or blubber, that helps to keep them warm. Killer whales also have a high rate of metabolism. This helps them generate more body heat.

Killer whales have a very striking appearance. They have black backs and white sides and stomachs. Their dorsal and pectoral fins are black. Just above and a little behind each eye, the killer whales have white eyespots. The dorsal fin of the male killer whale is the tallest of any whale in the world. This fin can be up to six feet tall. The pectoral fins of killer whales are large and rounded. The fins look like paddles. Killer whales are only medium-sized whales. An average male ranges from 19 to 26 feet in length and weighs over 6 tons, Females are smaller, ranging from 16-23 feet in length and weighing 3 or 4 tons.

Killer whales have very good eyesight both in and out of water. They are noisy animals and communicate with clicks and whistles. They also have a very acute sense of hearing. Killer whalces use echolocation. They throw out sound waves and listen for echoes. Through the echoes, killer whales are able to determine thc size, the location, and the shape of objects.

Killer whales live in groups called pods. They are sometimes called the wolves of the ocean since they hunt cooperatively in packs. Resident pod populations of killer whales live in groups of 5 to 50. Their family units are complex and cohesive. Resident pod populations cat mainly fish and have specific areas where they live. Transient pod populations of killer whales tend to roam. They cat mainly marine mammals, such as sea lions, seals, walruses, and even other whales. Transient pod populations live in smaller groups of 2 to 7 whales, or they might even travel alone.

Killer whales are toothed whales and may have teeth that are four inches long, making it easy for them to attack their prey. Killer whales have a reputation for being vicious. With their powerful teeth and jaws, they are able to grab seals right off the ice. They don't harm humans, nor have they ever been hunted much by humans. Their reputation as killers results from their attacks on other whales.