The orca (Orcinus orca), or killer whale, is a toothed whale and the largest member of the oceanic dolphin family. The only extant species in the genus Orcinus, it is recognizable by its distinct …

A wild orca pod can cover over 99 miles (160 kilometers) a day, foraging and socializing. They were give the name "killer whale" by ancient sailors who saw them preying on large whales. …

Orcas are highly intelligent, social mammals that have long been a part of marine park entertainment, performing shows for audiences. However, it's become increasingly clear that …

4 days ago · More than 20 species names have been applied to the killer whale, but a consensus now recognizes only O. orca. Killer whales were formerly referred to as grampuses, but that …

Aug 18, 2025 · Scientific studies have revealed many different populations with several distinct ecotypes (or forms) of killer whales worldwide—some of which may be different species or …

Discover more about orcas aka killer whales, How big orcas are and what an orca eats along with the issues and threats they are facing and how you can help.

Learn facts about the orca’s habitat, diet, life history, and more.

Dec 16, 2025 · But orca poop is worth the effort because it is a data treasure trove. With just a pea-size glob of scat, biologists can genetically decode which individual whale produced the …

The orca, also known as killer whale, has no geographic limits — it may be found playing in the surf or roaming the deep in every ocean across the globe, although there are higher …

Jan 28, 2025 · Orcas are often called killer whales, even though they almost never attack humans. They live in every ocean around the world, from the warm waters near the equator to …