TITLE

Investigating a Killer

AUTHOR(S)

Chadwick, Douglas H.

PUB. DATE

April 2005

SOURCE

National Geographic;Apr2005, Vol. 207 Issue 4, p86

SOURCE TYPE

Periodical

DOC. TYPE

Article

ABSTRACT

Discusses the Orcanus orca, or killer whale, which are not actually whales but the world's largest dolphins. Origin of the orca's name, from Latin meaning "whale from the underworld of the dead"; Claim of orcas as the supreme predator across 71% of the planet do to the large size of their brains and their lack of predators; Gentle nature of orcas, despite long-held beliefs that they readily attacked humans; Ability to identify orcas by the size and shape of their dorsal fins and the pattern of the light-colored saddle patch below the fin; Social cohesion displayed by orcas, with groups called matrilines lead by the oldest female.

ACCESSION #

16397187

Tags: WHALES;  KILLER whale -- Behavior;  PREDATORY animals;  DOLPHINS;  ANIMALS -- Identification;  MATRIARCHY;  INTERPERSONAL relations;  SOCIAL cohesion

 

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