Killer whales, also known as orcas, are well-known for
living in the off the west coast of the U.S.
and Canada. They have been spotted in waters surrounding
the U.K.,
too. In fact, researchers say that killer
whales might be "at an early stage of becoming two species," according to a
recent BBC article. The discovery was
made by examining teeth accumulated from the remains of killer whales that had
been stranded in the U.K.
over the past 200 years.
Increasing numbers of killer whales have been found in U.K. waters and
groups of up to 100 have been found off the coast. Scientists believe the
whales moved to the area because the U.K.'s fish stocks are increasing.
Appearance Related to
Diet, Size
Different forms of the whales have been found throughout the
Pacific and Antarctic
Oceans – their usual
territories. However, two distinct types
have been found around the U.K.:
- Type 1 shows more tooth wear, typical of killer
whales that eat herring, mackerel, and seals.
These whales are usually found around the North East Atlantic and Britain, and
live in closely-related pods.
- Type 2 shows little tooth wear and probably eats
a diet made up exclusively of dolphins and other whales. The males of this type of killer whale are
about two meters longer than the other type.
These whales are typically found around the west coast of Scotland and Ireland, and seem to be related to
Antarctic killer whales.
The
study is interesting to scientists because it shows how animals evolve to suit
their environments.
Fast Facts
- Killer whales, also known as orcas, are the
largest member of the dolphin family
- Male orcas grow to over 30 feet in length and
weigh about 11 tons
- A killer whale's dorsal fin can reach a height
of six feet
- Killer whales reach speeds of 30 mph
- A pod is a pack of hunting killer whales
- They are largely (no pun intended) to blame for the
40% population drop of Scotland's
harbor seal between 2002-2006
Resources:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/earth/hi/earth_news/newsid_8440000/8440002.stm
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/science/science-news/6937675/Two-types-of-killer-whale-swim-in-UK-waters.html
http://current.com/items/91836797_two-types-of-killer-whales-found-in-uk-waters.htm
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/earthnews/3353213/The-ultimate-predator-Sightings-of-killer-whales-in-British-waters-rising.html
http://coastalvoices.blogspot.com/2009/01/sightings-of-killer-whales-in-british.html
http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/nature/killer-whales-blamed-for-decline-of-scottish-seals-808640.html
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Re: Killer Whales Adapt to Kill
