Are you fascinated by animals and want to know about the Orcas curiosities? You are in the right place, we will show you everything about orcas, one of the most feared aquatic animals in the sea.
These animals are intelligent and their empathy makes them social beings who can communicate efficiently with the rest of the herd (own language). Naturally, they are known as “killer whales”, but nothing could be further from the truth, They belong to the dolphin family and are not dangerous. Do we know more? Well, here at Super Curious we bring you the curiosities of orcas.
10 curiosities of orcas that will surprise you
Do you want to know the orcas curiosities? We will show you 10 of the most interesting curiosities. Write them down.
These species live in herds of approximately 15 members and interact with each other and go hunting together (in groups).
They have complex social structures. and there are even populations organized in matriarchal type societies.
2. They use echolocation
To interact with each other, these animals use a kind of sound that travels through the Watercausing the sound waves to hit the seafloor.
This sound wave evoked by an orca from a specific point, then bounces and slams into the water towards the other orca’s location.
3. They are very intelligent
It has been proven through various studies that the intelligence of these animals is much higher than that of chimpanzees.
Also, They are good at working as a team and protecting the other members of the pack.. They use their abilities to hunt and maintain the species.
4. They swim long distances
Killer whales don’t stay in one place for too long. They migrate continuously. They travel thousands of kilometers (up to approximately 2,000 kilometers) due to their need to always be on the move.
5. Orcas live for many years.
The life expectancy of these animals ranges from approximately 50 to 80 years. But 100-year-old orcas have been discovered. They are definitely one of the longest living animals in the world!
6. They are not dangerous to humans
Normally, it is often thought that these animals are dangerous to humans, but this is not the case. Human beings are not part of the diet of orcasso as a society they have learned that it is useless to hunt humans.
Attacks on humans have been recorded, but these came from orcas that had been in captivity (this state has made them more aggressive).
7. Orcas have no predators.
These animals are at the top of the food chain.from them downwards the struggle for the survival of the different species is established.
They feed on squid, sea turtles, fish, seabirds, rays, sharks, octopus, etc.
8. They are always on the go
Orcas cannot stay in the same place for too long, their nature drives them to travel several kilometers and always be on the move.
9. Orcas are very fast
This species of marine animals has become one of the fastest in the world, with speeds reaching 56 km/hour (like the white shark).
10. They often hunt for practice
Within the species, the type of hunting is usually practiced to teach the rest of the herd. Usually females teach their young.
When the goal is to teach, mother orcas will hunt but not eat their prey. They will do it to help their young to improve their hunting skills.
11. They take care of the young together
Orcas care for their young in a herd, so they are all safe and free from any inconvenience in the sea. Young females help the mother care for her young.
Other curiosities of orcas
Do you want to know more curiosities about orcas? Here, find some of them:
12. Its dorsal alert can reach 1.8 meters long.
13. Orcas live in all oceans, from cold to tropical waters.
14. The young are more likely to die.
15. Killer whales have a blowhole on their head connected to their lungs. Thanks to they can breathe when emerging from the water.
Interesting facts about orcas that you should know
Have you found them interesting? orcas curiosities? Follow this post and you will learn more about these interesting species.
1. Types of killer whales
Orcas are animals that are well distributed in their habitats. Depending on the type of area where they move, they are classified into…
- sea orcas: are those who live about 25 kilometers from the coast. They are found in very large groups and feed mostly on sharks.
- resident orcas: these killer whales live closer to the coasts. They do not travel many kilometers and can be recognized by their fins that are curved and the tip is like a sphere. Their diet is balanced (fish and squid).
- Orcas passing by: They are the ones that travel very long distances and do not stay too long in one place. Its fins are located on the dorsal part of its body and the tip is regular.
2. How are killer whales born?
The reproductive cycle of killer whales usually occurs when the winter and the spring. When the water temperature rises, the desire to mate of this species is activated. The desire to mate will lead them to seek warmer waters. where to feel comfortable The act of mating (courtship) consists of sounds and whistles.
These sounds are emitted by the males so that the female chooses them. Then they break away from the pack and start playing with each other.
Both sexes touch each other’s snouts and then the rest of their bodies until they mate. Orca gestation can last up to 16 months. Each female gives birth to a single calf.although there are cases in which two pups are born, although they are much smaller than usual.
A newborn orca can weigh 180 kilos and measure approximately two meters. The calf will stay with its mother for a long time.
3. General characteristics of killer whales
- Orcas are the largest species within the dolphin species.which is why it is generally believed that they are a type of whale.
- Its scientific name is “Orcinus Orca” and it is in the Delphinidae family.
- The killer whale’s body is completely black, except for the lower part of its mouth, its belly, and the two ovals under its eyes.
- This species of dolphins can measure up to 10 meters in length and its weight can range from 3,900 kilograms.
- The type of reproduction is viviparous and the gestation period ranges from 15 to 18 months.
Have you been surprised by orcas curiosities as much as to me? I hope this post has been useful to you and that you learn a little more every day.