Welcome to the Killer Whale Quiz, where you can test your knowledge and learn more about the top apex predator in the ocean! Orcas are often called the wolves of the sea and are known for their trademark coloring, extraordinary intelligence, and cooperation when hunting in pods for food.
Take the quiz to test your knowledge of Killer Whales if you believe you know everything there is to know about them or if you simply want to learn more about these intriguing marine mammals!
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What is the scientific name for the killer whale?
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What is the average length of a male killer whale?
Minette Layne / CC BY 2.0
What is the average length of a female killer whale?
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What is the average weight of a male killer whale?
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What is the average weight of a female killer whale?
Types Of Killer Whales
Killer Whales are not only the top predators in the sea but they are found all throughout the world’s oceans. They are more abundant in the colder waters of the Arctic, Norway and Alaska and have also been located in tropical and subtropical waters as well. They are most populous in the North Pacific Ocean where there are 3 main types – Offshore, Transient and Resident.
- Resident – these orcas are categorized into 3 subgroups – southern, northern, and Alaskan and their range is from Alaska to California.
- Transient – these killer whales live in small groups in coastal and offshore waters and are sometimes referred to as Bigg’s orcas. Their range is from the Arctic Circle to southern California.
- Offshore – these whales are generally found far from the shore in large groups and have the largest range out of the 3 types. Their range is from southern California to the Aleutian Islands in southern Alaska
These 3 main types of orcas are known as ecotypes and all differ in size, color, prey preferences, dialects, social groups, foraging techniques, and behaviors. While these are the main types, there are additional types that, depending on the region, also differ in their characteristics, appearances and behaviors.
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What is the diet of killer whales?
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What is the lifespan of a killer whale in the wild?
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What is the lifespan of a killer whale in captivity?
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What is the gestation period of a killer whale?
Interesting Orca Facts
Like many marine animals, the killer whale has always been one to fascinate and intrigue. It has been written about and starred in many movies, whether they are documentaries or entertainment, like Free Willy, and books like The Killer Whale Journals. The beautiful apex predators are always worth learning more about. Read on to discover more interesting facts.
- Females are usually smaller than males.
- The male’s dorsal fin can be up to 6 feet tall.
- They have a very high IQ. Researchers have found them to be on par with that of a 16-year-old human.
- Orcas aren’t whales but are the largest members of the dolphin family.
- Sailors gave them the name killer whale when they saw them preying on larger whales. They called them ‘orcas asesina ballenas’ which translates to whale killer but it was eventually flipped around to killer whale.
- They only allow half of their brain to sleep at one time to avoid a deep, unconscious sleep or else they would drown.
NOAA / Public domain, from Wikimedia Commons, the free media repository
What is the name for a group of killer whales?
Pittman – Public Domain
What is the name for the white patches on a killer whale’s body?
http://www.photolib.noaa.gov/htmls/anim0841.htm, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
What is the name for the black and white coloring of a killer whale?
Clayoquot – Public Domain by U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
What is the name for the technique used by killer whales to hunt seals?
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What is the name for the technique used by killer whales to stun fish?
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What is the name for the vocalization used by killer whales?
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What is the name for the type of killer whale that primarily eats fish?
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What is the name for the type of killer whale that primarily eats marine mammals?
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What is the name for the type of killer whale that lives in open ocean?
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What is the name for the type of killer whale that is found in the Antarctic?
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