What Is An Orca's Name?
Classification
The orca is the largest member of the dolphin family, delphinidae. They are mammals, which means they are warm-blooded, feed their young milk, and breathe air like whales do. The orca is commonly known as the killer whale. A nickname of the orca is Blackfish. There are 5 species of orcas. Orcas have the nickname "Wolves of the sea." This is because they hunt in pods (see behavior). Pods are groups of orcas. Wolves hunt in packs, which are groups of wolves. Both wolves and orcas are very savage, that is why they earned this nickname. Although orcas have many nicknames, they have a scientific name as well. The scientific name of the orca is "Orcinus Orca." Orcas live up to 13 years in captivity, but live much longer in the wild. In the ocean, orcas can live up to 100 years (There is more information on this in the life section)! Orcas are at the top of the food chain. Sadly, they are endangered (see conservation). |
Wonderful Words
Photo from http://www.wildthingsphotography.com/data/photos/1919_1V8V8394DCR_HYDE.jpg |