Over the last few decades, as wild orca research has expanded, researchers have described different forms or types of orcas. Known as ecotypes, these distinct types of orcas differ in size, appearance, prey preferences, foraging techniques, dialects, behaviours, and social groups.

2025年3月9日 · The striking black and white coloration of orca, also known as killer whales, is more than just visually appealing; it’s a carefully crafted adaptation for survival in the vast oceans. The primary reason orcas are predominantly black is for countershading camouflage , a crucial strategy that enhances their hunting prowess and helps them avoid ...

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 black-and-white patterned body.

Orcas are mostly black on the top, with a small gray area behind the dorsal fin (called a saddle patch), and mostly white on the bottom. This may be to both act as camouflage and distort their body shape. Since orcas are black, when viewed from …

Orcas, or killer whales, are the largest of the dolphins and one of the world's most powerful predators. They're immediately recognizable by their distinctive black-and-white coloring. Smart and...

2004年12月1日 · Reports of anomalously pigmented cetaceans, including melanistic (all‐black) individuals are infrequent. We observed four melanistic southern right‐whale dolphins (Lissodelphis peronii) including...

2017年7月6日 · There are ten orca ecotypes around the world. Scientists separated orca populations into these ten ecotypes based on body size, coloration, habitat range, vocalizations, diet, and social structure. Currently, all the orcas that …

The black and white coloration of orcas is both striking and distinctive. Their jet-black body has sharply defined white areas on the belly, flanks, chin, and throat. They have oval white eyepatches behind and above each eye. Their flippers and fins are usually all black while the underside of their tail flukes is white.

With their distinctive black and white patterning and huge dorsal fins, a pod of orcas powering through the waves is one of the most impressive sights in the natural world.

Why is an orca black and white? 1 Minute In the marine world, when your back is dark and your belly is light, you are using a camouflage technique known as countershading.