What Do Orcas Look Like?
Physical Structure
Orcas are large, stocky animals. They are easily recognized with their large dorsal fins. Orcas are also famous for the black and white patches throughout their body. Orcas are very large. Don't be surprised, male orcas can be about 8 yards long! Females can reach the length of 7 yards long! Orcas are also very heavy. An average orca weighs about 15,000-19,000 pounds. Orcas have smooth and rubbery skin. They have 50 large teeth. A recent study has shown that some orcas have a curved dorsal fin. Orcas are black at the top and white at the bottom. This is known as false shading or countershading. This is a protective feature (see protection). The streamlined body of an orca is very distinctive. Babies have orange or yellow where the white patches are on adults. |
Wonderful Words
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