Orcas (or Killer whales) are actually a species of large dolphin. They are highly intelligent (not quite so intelligence as some of their smaller cousins though). Orcas live in large family groups called pods that can often have around forty members. They are very social animals and are rarely comfortable when alone. These pods are key to the survival of the orcas, only with most the adult members hunting can the younger whales (calfs) survive. The pod also keeps the calfs safe form any potentially dangerous animals such as sharks. Orcas live in a variety of climates. Many live in the Arctic circle or the far north while some live much farther south. Their adaptability is important to the survival of the species.
The diet of the orca is the main source of the "killer whale" sterotype. It includes...
Despite their odd diet, there is no record of an orca ever purposely injuring a human other then to defend themselves or other pod members. They are hardly mindless eating machines, they simply have to eat to live. Orcas have few natural predators, humans are the only real threat they face. These whales are not an endangered species yet, but their habitats are in danger. With global warming, many food sources may disappear and there is always the threat of pollution in the waters they inhabit.
By Andrea
