Can easily glide through water with use of dorsal fin and pectoral flippers. They're immediately recognizable by their distinctive black-and-white coloring. Orcas, or killer whales, are the largest of the dolphins and one of the world's most powerful predators. Unlike humans, which only exchange 17 to 20 percent of their lung air with each breath, a whale will usually exchange 80 to 90 percent. - Research the behavioural and structural adaptations the Blue Whale has to survive. It uses it’s weight and force to capture it’s prey. Whales are an amazing species that have evolved from land dwelling creatures millions of years ago (through ancestral blood lines) to the marine mammals we know today. Killer Whale physical characteristics. The killer whale has adapted to live in almost any type of water, and it can eat almost anything. LittleBIGPlanet 3 - Killer Whale Survival [YOU are the Whale] ... LittleBigPlanet 3 - Killer Whale VS Sonic - Killer Whale Survival (You are the whale) | EpicLBPTime - Duration: 13:44. Their large size and their anatomical design allow us to differentiate and distinguish them from other cetaceans in the ocean quickly. We cannot deny the beauty that characterizes killer whales. Blue whales possess two blow holes on the top of the head, which enables them to hold their breath for long periods underwater. Killer whales, or orca, on the other hand, are unable to hunt in an ocean locked in ice. Travel in pods for warmth and share food.… Killer Whales / Orcas Facts and Adaptations Orcinus orca Orcas, Sea wolves, Blackfish, Grampus. Circulation to these areas is re-initiated when the whale surfaces. One challenge it has is that it has competition with fishermen, since they catch the same that killer whales eat. A killer whale is also known as an orca. The orca is also a very social animal. Photo courtesy of Jeffrey. Because killer whales can be kept in human care, we conduct more thorough scientific research about them than some of the other whale species. Adaptations of Killer Whales: They can swim very fast (up to 30 mph) to catch prey. Echolocation for communication and finding food. Spine. Sharp teeth to rip apart and chew their prey. The blow holes have seals that keep water out during their dives. Apex predators of the sea, killer whales fear no natural predators; the only animals known to hunt them … For the Kwakwaka'wakw, the killer whale was regarded as the ruler of the undersea world, with sea lions for slaves and dolphins for warriors. There are many adaptations that simply make the whales life easier, such as their hearing. For details on feeding adaptations, see NUTRITION. By doing this, it will control the quantity of blood that is circulating throughout its body. In fact, its adaptations are considered to be the best in the entire animal kingdom, and not just among the animals of the Arctic. Beluga Whale Adaptations for Almost Everything are Totally Awing! Whales in general have excellent hearing to detect other whales. Even though the whale's are losing their prey they can stay alive because of all the other types of prey in the ocean. The killer whale is one of the largest of the toothed whales, and possibly the most famous. Killer whales, also known as orcas, aren't whales at all. With the use of their pectoral flippers, dorsal fins and blubber exterior which creates a smoother experience, whales have also adapted to rapidly … As the ice increasingly disappears, the tables have turned. The sperm whale has about 40-52 teeth that can weigh up to two pounds each. The Haida regarded killer whales as the most powerful animals in the ocean, and their mythology tells of killer whales living in houses and towns under the sea. Killer whale facts for kids: Learn about these mega marine mammals, with facts about the killer whale’s size, characteristics, diet and hunting techniques.