DESCRIPTION:
Killer whales have a black back, and white chests and sides. They also bear a very distinct white patch surrounding both of their eyes.
WEIGHT:
Males can weigh up to: 22,000 pounds
Females can weigh up to: 6,500 pounds
GESTATIONAL INFORMATION:
Their babies, also known as "calves" are carried from 15-18 months. Mothers calve, usually with ospring, every five years. Birth occurs year round but winter seems to be the most popular time for it to occur.
ROLE IN THE ECOSYSTEM:
The Killer whale, carries an important role in the ecosystem, It is at the top of the food pyramid and feeds on other large oceanic creatures, like the humpback whale
DIETARY INFORMATION:
The diet of the killer whale, tends to vary by location.
MIGRATION PATTERNS:
The Killer whale, unlike other whales, follows a migratory pattern based upon availability of food.
POPULATION DYNAMICS:
A worldwide population is uncertain, but it is estimated at a minimum of 50,000.
They tend to travel in packs of 3-4.
Killer whales of different populations have specific vocalization types. In addition, even within the same population, dialects are known to exist among different pods of "resident" populations in the eastern North Pacific
Killer whales have a black back, and white chests and sides. They also bear a very distinct white patch surrounding both of their eyes.
WEIGHT:
Males can weigh up to: 22,000 pounds
Females can weigh up to: 6,500 pounds
GESTATIONAL INFORMATION:
Their babies, also known as "calves" are carried from 15-18 months. Mothers calve, usually with ospring, every five years. Birth occurs year round but winter seems to be the most popular time for it to occur.
ROLE IN THE ECOSYSTEM:
The Killer whale, carries an important role in the ecosystem, It is at the top of the food pyramid and feeds on other large oceanic creatures, like the humpback whale
DIETARY INFORMATION:
The diet of the killer whale, tends to vary by location.
MIGRATION PATTERNS:
The Killer whale, unlike other whales, follows a migratory pattern based upon availability of food.
POPULATION DYNAMICS:
A worldwide population is uncertain, but it is estimated at a minimum of 50,000.
They tend to travel in packs of 3-4.
Killer whales of different populations have specific vocalization types. In addition, even within the same population, dialects are known to exist among different pods of "resident" populations in the eastern North Pacific