Orca
The Killer Whale
The killer whale (Orca) is the largest of ocean dolphins and is considered one of the most widely known types of whale. The killer whale is very recognizable, by its amazing color contrast of black and white and its tall dorsal fin. They are toothed whales with one blowhole and often the top predator in their respective ecosystem. The killer whale is perceived as a competitor for fish resources. There have been attempts by in Icelandic and Norwegian waters to remove this species for the purpose of fish resources. Fortunately the research interest of the killer whale is considerable. This interest has led to protection instead of destruction as a perceived competitor for fish resources. Public education is appropriate for the conservation of this type of species.
The killer whale can reach lengths of up to 31ft by males (although usually much smaller), and up to 27 feet by females. The body is very broad. The color is black with a large white area extending along the lower side from the chin to the anus. A distinctive large white spot is located just behind the eye. There is also a light saddle shaped area that's grayish right behind the dorsal fin. When the killer whale is a calf, these colors are a yellowish tint. They become white as the whale matures. However there have been killer whales spotted that were entirely black or white. Male killer whales will weigh anywhere from 11000-14000lbs. The female is smaller weighing from 9000-10000 lbs. An accurate census of the Orca population is unknown. However, there are estimates for specific regions. For example, in the Antarctic, there is an estimated Orca population of 180,000 whales that is still growing.
The killer whales dorsal fin is the tallest of all whales. An adult male it can reach a height of 6ft, and its posterior region is nearly vertical. In females however the fin measures a height of up to 3ft. and the posterior region is concave. The flippers are very...
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