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The Killer Whale

Killer whales, or orcas, are the top predators in the ocean and can be found in every ocean worldwide. As the largest species of dolphin, adult killer whales grow up to 30 feet long and weigh up to 10,000 pounds. They live in sophisticated family pods of 6-40 individuals and communicate using various sounds. While powerful predators, killer whales face threats from human activities like pollution, vessel strikes, and illegal whaling that are endangering some populations.

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259 views

The Killer Whale

Killer whales, or orcas, are the top predators in the ocean and can be found in every ocean worldwide. As the largest species of dolphin, adult killer whales grow up to 30 feet long and weigh up to 10,000 pounds. They live in sophisticated family pods of 6-40 individuals and communicate using various sounds. While powerful predators, killer whales face threats from human activities like pollution, vessel strikes, and illegal whaling that are endangering some populations.

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api-269897268
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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The Killer Whale

Created by Elizabeth Mangan


Information Retrieved from Chandler Pauls Presentation

Killer Whales, also known as Orcas, rule the sea. The only
dangersthey face are humans, as there is no other creature in the
sea that is a threat to them.

Killer Whales are the top predators in the sea. They are capable of attacks on
other species of whales and several other sea animals like seals, sea lions,
penguins, sting rays and even sharks. Still, they are considered one of the
most magnificent animals in the world.

Killer whales are actually dolphins, even though they are called
Whales. In fact, Killer Whales are the largest dolphin! 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.
Killer whales are great swimmers reaching travel speeds up to 30 miles
per hour.

The look of the killer whales is also very attractive


and interesting with a combination of black with
white parts giving killer whales an unparalleled
appearance.
Killer Whales have a large sickle shaped dorsal
fin, and large flippers. This dorsal fin is located
at the top of the killer whales and they are
easily seen when the killer whales are close.
Large males can have dorsal fins as long as six
feet tall!

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 whales live 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

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 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 whales make a variety of sounds which include clicks, whistles, and
screams. These sounds are used to communicate with each other when
hunting, mating or just to talk. Each pod even has its own characteristic
sounds, which help members to recognize each other.

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.

Many people often wonder why are killer whales endangered if they are so
unique?
Sadly, there are many threats to the endangered killer whales that drastically
decrease their population numbers.

Many contaminants in the oceans kill the whales, causing their numbers to
diminish. The contaminants often include oil spills, whales are struck by vessels
or entangled in fishing gear. The killer whales are also often victims of whaling
vessels and illegal whale hunting.

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