CALISTON, Rod Daniel E.

DVM-2B AS 106

1st Laboratory Activity

Animal: Orca/Killer Whale

Classification:
Class – Mammalia
Orcas breathe air with their lungs through their blowhole. They are "warm-blooded", they
maintain a constant, high body temperature independent of their surroundings which allows them
to thrive in cold environments.
Order – Cetacea
Cetacea is a scientific order of large aquatic mammals that have forelimbs modified into
flippers, a horizontally flattened tail, one or two nostrils at the top of the head for breathing, and
no hind limbs. Cetaceans include all whales, dolphins, and porpoises. The word "cetacean" is
derived from the Greek word for whale, kētos.
Suborder – Odontoceti
Odontoceti is a scientific suborder of whales characterized by having teeth and a single
blowhole. The word "Odontoceti" comes from the Greek word for tooth, odontos.
Family – Delphinidae
Dolphins and their immediate kin are included in the scientific family Delphinidae. This
family is represented by about 37 species, including bottlenose dolphins, pilot whales, and false
killer whales. The killer whale is the largest member of the dolphin family.
Genus, Species – Orcinus orca
The Latin name Orcinus translates as "belonging to Orcus". Orcus was a Roman god of the
netherworld, and this genus name is likely a reference to the hunting prowess of the killer whale.
In Latin, orca translates "large-bellied pot or jar," a reference to the shape of the whale’s body.
Although currently only a single species of killer whale is accepted, multiple species or
subspecies of killer whales may be recognized in the future. One recent genetic study suggests
that the Antarctic type B and type C killer whales form a separate species and transient killer
whales are also another killer whale species. (See Ecotype section for more information.)

Common Name History:

Killer whales gained their common name because some types prey on other whales. They
were once called "whale killers" by sailors who witnessed their attacks on larger cetaceans. Over
time, the name was gradually switched to "killer whale". 
CALISTON, Rod Daniel E. DVM-2B AS 106

Description:
The orca (killer whale) is a toothed whale and is the largest member of the Dolphin
family. These large marine mammals are easily distinguished by their black-and-white
coloration, large dorsal fin and a sleek, streamlined body. The dorsal surface and pectoral
flippers are black except for a grayish patch (saddle) that lies behind the dorsal fin and a white
eyespot located just above and slightly behind each eye. The ventral surface, lower jaw and
undersides of the flukes are predominately bright white. The distinctive patterns are a form of
camouflage to hide their presence when in search of food.
In mature males, the dorsal fin is tall and triangular and can reach a height of 1.8 m (6
ft.). Averages 5.8-6.7 m (19-22 ft.); largest males on record were 9.8 m (32 ft.)
In most females, the dorsal fin is typically smaller and slightly falcate (curved back),
reaching an average height of 0.9-1.2 m (3-4 ft.). Length: Averages 4.9-5.8 m (16-19 ft.) Females
are generally smaller than males.
Size: 7 to 9.7 m (23 to 32 ft) - about as long as a small bus
Weight: up to 5,443 kg (6 tons)

Behavior:
Like all dolphins, orcas use sophisticated biological sonar, called echolocation. Echolocation
enables them to locate and discriminate objects underwater. The vocalizations within a whale
community are distinct and different from those in other communities, serving to keep the pods
together. The calls also bring the pods together over large expanses of water when it is
impossible for the whales to see each other. Moreover, Orcas are very social animals. They live
in small nuclear and extended families that we call pods, clans and communities. At
the social heart is the orca mother. She and her children (the maternal group), even her adult
sons, stay together throughout life.
Reproduction:
Females (cows) reach reproductive maturity at about 14 to 15 years. Females give birth
every three to ten years, following a 17-month pregnancy. Young are able to swim and dive at
birth, and they grow quickly on their mothers' milk. Calves are weaned after 12 months.
Newborn calves are 7-8 feet long and weigh 136-181 kg (300-400 lb.)

Range/Habitat:
Orcas are found in oceans worldwide. They are most abundant in the Arctic and Antarctic
and in areas of cold-water upwelling. They live in coastal and offshore waters; resident pods may
frequent localized waterways (bays, sounds, etc.) whereas transient pods tend to cover more
CALISTON, Rod Daniel E. DVM-2B AS 106

extensive, varied areas. An extended clan of orcas, known as the Southern Resident Orca
community, socialize and forage in the inland waters of Washington State and British Columbia.
Both male and female offspring remain with their mothers their entire lives (Orca Network).
CALISTON, Rod Daniel E. DVM-2B AS 106

References:
Orca. (n.d.). Nature Mapping. https://naturemappingfoundation.org/natmap/facts/orca_712.html
Scientific classification. (n.d.). Animals, Careers, and Educational Programs| SeaWorld Parks &
Entertainment. https://seaworld.org/animals/all-about/killer-whale/classification/
Orca. (n.d.). National Wildlife
Federation. https://www.nwf.org/Educational-Resources/Wildlife-Guide/
Mammals/Orca#
Orca. (n.d.). River Monsters Wiki. Retrieved June 12, 2021, from https://river-
monsters.fandom.com/wiki/Orca
Orca social organization: OrcaLab. (n.d.). OrcaLab. https://orcalab.org/orcas/orca-social-
organization/