Introduction
Orcas (Orcinus orca), also known as killer whales, are dolphins. After observing these marine creatures preying on whales and other marine mammals, sailors historically began referring to them as whale killers. As of 2013, there has never been a record of a wild orca attacking a human, although these enormous animals are top predators that pose a threat to fish and other wildlife.
Dolphins are aquatic mammals that are part of the Cetacea suborder of mammals. They are carnivores that eat other marine animals including fish, seals, whales, crustaceans, etc. Dolphins are also members of the chordate phylum. They exhibit playful behaviour and are one of the most intelligent creatures.
Table of Contents
Orcas
The orca is the largest species of marine dolphin. Since the name includes the word “whale”, it is sometimes known as a killer whale and is frequently mistaken for one. Additionally, they are toothed dolphins that are part of the Cetacea phylum. They aim for larger prey. However, they have a varied diet. While some are dependent on fish, others hunt seals and dolphins among other marine creatures.
Additionally, the orca is regarded as one of the world’s most deadly predators. Orcinus orca is the scientific name of the orca. Additionally, they are global species that thrive in various marine habitats.
There are three different kinds of killer whales: resident, transient, and offshore. They can weigh up to 6 tonnes, measure 23 to 32 feet in length, and have black and white colouring. Additionally, they live for 50 to 80 years on average.
Dolphin
Dolphins are mammals. They are divided into five groups, with the oceanic dolphin family, which includes 38 species, having the largest number of members. The remaining four are all families of river dolphins, each containing a single species.
Dolphins are a diverse collection of aquatic creatures that are found all over the world, and they possess high intelligence. These dolphins are classified as toothed dolphins because they have teeth. The toothed dolphins include orcas. They are carnivores and consume marine animals like seals, fish, crustaceans, whales, and others. Most of them are grey-coloured.
The majority of dolphin species worldwide choose the shallow parts of tropical and temperate oceans as their habitat. Few species are also found in rivers. Dolphins also exhibit playful behaviour. They jump out of the water, spy-hop, and follow boats. Porpoises and dolphins have different faces, teeth, fins, and physical characteristics, but both groups share similarities.
Difference between Orca and Dolphin
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Orca |
Dolphin |
|---|---|
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Orca is defined as the largest member of the dolphin family |
A dolphin is defined as an aquatic mammal |
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Black and white orcas are recognised by their distinctive, erect dorsal fins |
Dolphins are more sleek and slender than orcas |
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They live in saltwater |
They live in either fresh or saltwater |
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Orcas are considerably larger, measuring 6 to 8 metres long and weighing up to 6 tonnes. |
Dolphins can be up to 200 kg and 2-4 metres long. |
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Orcas consume fish as well as larger creatures like seals and dolphins. |
Dolphins eat jellyfish, squid, and schools of fish. |
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Orcas have a 90 to100 year lifespan. |
Dolphins can live for 50 to 60 years. |
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Every three to ten years, a female orca gives birth to a single offspring. |
Dolphins only have one calf at a time. Their pregnancies last for nine to sixteen months. |
Like all marine life, orcas and dolphins are threatened by pollution, traps, chemical spills, noise pollution, industrial fishing, and fluctuations in ocean temperature. Since they are large species at a high trophic level, and the orca and dolphin are particularly threatened by toxins in the ocean. This is especially true for orcas who are vulnerable to a specific toxin called polychlorinated biphenyls. It can build up in their blubber, which is extremely harmful, particularly when food is in short supply and the whale uses its blubber as fuel.
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