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Killer Whales: How They Physiologically Inhabit Their Environment

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Killer Whales: How they Physiologically Inhabit their Environment

Introduction

Despite its name, the killer whale (Orcinus Orca) is in fact a dolphin. It is the largest member of the dolphin family and one of the most successful predators of the sea. Due to their body structure they are able to move through the water with ease. They can control their body temperature which is essential for living in cold waters. They are able to control their oxygen levels when diving and use echolocation making them successful hunters.

Adaptations for Swimming

On average killer whales can travel up to or more than 75 miles a day and sustain a speed of 8mph therefore they have to be well adapt for swimming. The pectoral fins are rounded and used to steer when swimming. They contain the same skeletal elements as land mammals forelimbs but slightly modified. Both pectoral fins contain a network of veins that regulate body temperature. …show more content…

It contains no cartilage or bone. The fluke moves up and down allowing the Orca to propel through the water and increase its speed, this movement is created via the muscles in the back. The fluke and pectoral fins work together to stop swimming. The arteries within the fluke are also surrounded by veins that help maintain body temperature.
Just like the fluke, the dorsal fin contains no cartilage or bones, it instead is made up of dense, fibrous connective tissue. It contains veins that help maintain its body temperature. As orcas live in waters of zero degrees Celsius and less, it is important that they maintain their internal body temperature. When swimming at high speeds, the dorsal fin helps keep the killer whale stable but it is not essential for

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