Killer Whale [Orcinus orca]
Description
The killer whale, also known as an orca, is a toothed whale belonging to the oceanic dolphin family. It is the largest member of the family and is known for its distinctive black and white coloring. Killer whales are found in oceans worldwide, from the frigid Arctic and Antarctic regions to tropical seas. They are highly social and travel in groups called pods. Killer whales have a diverse diet, although individual populations often specialize in particular types of prey. Some feed exclusively on fish, while others hunt marine mammals such as seals and dolphins.
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Chordates
Chordata
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Mammals
Mammalia
|
| Order |
Cetaceans
Cetacea
|
| Family |
Oceanic dolphins
Delphinidae
|
| Genus |
Killer Whale
Orcinus
|