by Tuan Nguyen

Created on: December 26, 2006

Orcas are known for its black and white color patterns, its large size and its tall dorsal fins, a difficult sight to overlook. These marvelous creatures span their life from five to nine decades growing up to nine meters in length and weighing twelve tons. Its reproductive origins are still unknown for the time being, however, research is constantly being promoted. The natural history of the Killer Whale exhibits changes in growth; through diet and body development. Orcas are one of seven members in the family of dolphins; others include the False Killer Whale and Risso's Dolphins. The Killer Whale, however, is among the easiest cetaceans to identify given that it's unique and most impressive characteristics are unknown to other creatures in the vast expanse of the earth's oceans.

Explicit characteristics of Orcas distinguish itself from other oceanic mammals from the patterns to large body structure. As noticed, the coloration of killer whales is distinctly made of mainly of shiny black and cream white. Generally the dorsal half is black while alternating between white in some minute areas. Conspicuous external features of the Orcas are their dorsal fin, which can reach extraordinary proportions in adult males. These dorsal fins can approach heights of 1.8 m similar to an isosceles triangle. A white eye patch is an excellent identification marking located behind and above each eye. Being carnivores, killer whales require about ten to twelve large conical teeth in each row that slightly curve towards the body. The distinctive body form and structure mutually come together to produce a marvelous creature unsurpassed in its field.
The advance communications accounts for the vast majority of whales and dolphins, allows them to have a greater efficiency in hunting and social contact. It is this joint network that accounts for the evolution and future development of the pods. Hunting behaviors are a prime example of corporative task especially in warm-blooded prey. Fish and squid, the bulk of an orcas diet, feed by trapping small groups of fish against a hard surface. They then use their flippers to stun their prey. After this, the whales pick them off, one by one. Such actions are an excellent indicator of higher mental powers than any domestic trained dolphinaria, especially in the catch of seal. The natural history of the killer whales is ones of strong social bonds and stable group structure. The movements of orcas generally reflect the abundance of its prey

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>