Killer Whales Essay

Killer whales, also known as “Orcas,” are the powerful rulers of the ocean. A male killer whale can be almost 33 feet in length, which is as big as a medium-sized bus. These colossal creatures were named “killer whales” by ancient sailors who saw them preying on large whales. Killer whales have a black top that is largely covered in white patches near the eyes and on the undersides. Behind the dorsal fin, they also have a gray or white saddle patch. They are commonly found in cold waters, such as Antarctica, Norway, and Alaska. However, the eastern North Pacific Ocean is home to killer whale populations that have been studied the most. These fascinating creatures are excellent in adaptation and are strong predators but in need of help from

Their ability to collaborate and hunt in pods is the most significant way for them to survive. Killer whale pods can have up to forty members. They are known as the “wolves of the sea” because wolves also hunt in packs. Another strategy that they use to adapt to their environment is to hunt prey using a method called echolocation. To find prey, the whales make clicking sounds, and then listen for echoes as the sounds bounce off the fish, seals, and other animals. Surprisingly, the whales can tell which animal it is based on the sounds of the echoes. Additionally, based on the article, All About Killer Whales-Adaptation, quotes, “The deepest dive known for a killer whale, performed under experimental conditions, was 259 m (850 ft.).” Killer whales are experts in diving. Finally, killer whales have extraordinary intelligence. They are one of the few non-human species that can recognize themselves in a mirror, and among aquatic mammals, it has the second largest brain. Therefore, killer whales have a variety of ways to adjust to different living

Humans are their worst enemies. Sadly, they sometimes get trapped in fishing nets. In some places, fishermen have also used guns to kill the whales, blaming them for eating too much fish. Pollution is another factor that puts them at risk. Their natural habitat is poisoned by toxins, which are chemicals that can harm living creatures. Some contaminant toxins are deliberately dumped at sea, while others get there by accident. According to the article, Killer Whale, experts quote, “Contaminants enter ocean waters and sediments from many sources, such as wastewater treatment plants, sewer outfalls, and pesticide application. Once in the environment, these substances move up the food web and accumulate in top predators, such as killer whales” The killer whales greatly suffer because of those contaminant toxins, taking away precious homes and their lives. Thus, humans are putting many of them in serious