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Orca (Killer Whale) — printable fact sheet
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Orca (Killer Whale)
Orcinus orca
Orcas, or killer whales (Orcinus orca), are the largest members of the dolphin family, Delphinidae, with adult males reaching lengths of up to 9 meters and weighing over 5,400 kilograms. These apex predators are distributed across all of the world's oceans, from the frigid Arcti…
Did you know?
- Despite their name, killer whales are actually the largest species of dolphin, not whales.
- Orcas are known to employ a hunting technique called 'wave-washing,' where they create waves to knock seals off ice floes. Despite their common name, 'killer whale,' orcas are not whales but the largest species of dolphin. They have the second-heaviest brain among marine mammals, only surpassed by the sperm whale, which may contribute to their problem-solving abilities and social complexity. Unlike most other cetaceans, orcas have been observed engaging in playful behavior with other species, including humans and boats, which may reflect their high intelligence and curiosity.
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