Orcinus orca
Sign in to saveThe orca (Orcinus orca), or killer whale, is a toothed whale and the largest member of the oceanic dolphin family. The only extant species in the genus Orcinus, it is recognizable by its distinct pigmentation; being mostly black on top, white on the bottom and having recognizable white eye patches. A cosmopolitan species, it inhabits a wide range of marine environments, from Arctic to Antarctic regions to tropical seas, but is more commonly documented in temperate or cooler coastal waters. Scientists have proposed dividing the global population into races, subspecies, or possibly even species.
AI overview
The orca, also known as the killer whale, is the largest dolphin species and can be identified by its distinctive black-and-white coloring and white eye patches. Found in oceans worldwide from Arctic to tropical waters, it's particularly common in cooler coastal regions, and scientists are still studying whether different orca populations around the globe should be classified as separate subspecies or species.
AI-generated from the Wikipedia summary — may contain errors.
Taxonomy · GBIF
SPECIES
- KingdomAnimalia
- PhylumChordata
- ClassMammalia
- OrderCetacea
- FamilyDelphinidae
via GBIF · CC0
Wikidata facts
- Instance of
- taxon
- Subclass of
- Odontoceti
- Parent taxon
- Orcinus
- Image
- 202402 Killer whale.svg
Show 10 more facts
Article
32 sectionsContents
- Naming
- Taxonomy
- Types
- Characteristics
- Range and habitat
- Population
- Feeding
- Fish
- Mammals and birds
- Behaviour
- Social structure
- Vocalizations
- Intelligence
- Life cycle
- Conservation
- Relationship with humans
- Indigenous cultures
- Attacks by wild orcas on humans and animals
- Orca attacks on sailboats and small vessels
- Attacks on humans by captive orcas
- Human attacks on orcas
- Modern Western attitudes
- Whaling
- Cooperation with humans
- Whale watching
- Captivity
- See also
- Footnotes
- References
- Works cited
- Further reading
- External links
The orca (Orcinus orca), or killer whale, is a toothed whale and the largest member of the oceanic dolphin family. The only extant species in the genus Orcinus, it is recognizable by its distinct pigmentation; being mostly black on top, white on the bottom and having recognizable white eye patches. A cosmopolitan species, it inhabits a wide range of marine environments, from Arctic to Antarctic regions to tropical seas, but is more commonly documented in temperate or cooler coastal waters. Scientists have proposed dividing the global population into races, subspecies, or possibly even species.
Orcas are apex predators with a diverse diet. Individual populations often specialize in particular types of prey, including bony fish, sharks, rays, and marine mammals such as seals, dolphins, and whales. They are highly social, with some populations forming stable matrilineal family groups (pods). Their sophisticated hunting techniques and vocal behaviors, often unique to specific groups and passed down from generation to generation, are considered to be manifestations of animal culture. The most studied populations are off the west coast of North America, which include fish-eating "residents", mammal-eating "transients", and offshores.