5 Ways Orcas Have Earned the Nickname “Killer Whale”

Orcas, known for their intelligence, exhibit diverse hunting techniques across different ecotypes. In Antarctica, Type B1 orcas use waves to dislodge seals from ice floes. In South America and the Indian Ocean, orcas beach themselves to catch seals. They also hunt large whales by suffocation and employ carousel feeding to trap fish. Some orcas in New Zealand use a unique method to hunt sharks. These behaviors highlight orcas' adaptability and cognitive abilities, with much still to learn about their global populations.

What characteristic of orcas is highlighted by their large brain-to-body size ratio?

• Their social behavior

• Their physical strength

• Their cognitive abilities

• Their ability to swim fast

Which orca ecotype is known for using waves to knock seals off ice floes?

• Type D

• Type B1

• Type C

• Type A

In which regions is the intentional beaching behavior of orcas typically observed?

• Antarctica and the Arctic

• Mediterranean and the Red Sea

• North Atlantic and the Pacific

• South America and the Indian Ocean

What is the primary method orcas use to hunt large whales?

• Chasing them until they tire

• Suffocating them by blocking their blowholes

• Trapping them in nets

• Using sonar to confuse them

What is the carousel feeding technique used by some orcas?

• Chasing fish into shallow waters

• Trapping fish in a whirlpool and stunning them

• Using nets to catch fish

• Herding fish onto land

Which orca population is known for the unique 'karate chop' method of hunting sharks?

• South American orcas

• Antarctic orcas

• New Zealand orcas

• North Atlantic orcas

What do some orcas specifically target when hunting sharks?

• The shark's eyes

• The shark's fins

• The shark's liver

• The shark's tail