![]() ![]() Some local populations are considered threatened or endangered due to prey depletion, habitat loss, pollution (by PCBs), capture for marine mammal parks, and conflicts with human fisheries. The International Union for Conservation of Nature assesses the orca's conservation status as data deficient because of the likelihood that two or more orca types are separate species. Their sophisticated hunting techniques and vocal behaviors, often specific to a particular group and passed along from generation to generation are considered to be manifestations of animal culture. They are highly social some populations are composed of highly stable matrilineal family groups (pods). This includes a variety of fish, sharks, rays, and marine mammals such as seals, other species of dolphin, and whales. Individual populations often specialize in particular types of prey. Orcas are apex predators with a diverse diet. ![]() A cosmopolitan species, orcas are found in diverse marine environments, from Arctic to Antarctic regions to tropical seas. Orcas are recognizable by their black-and-white patterned body. It is the only extant species in the genus Orcinus. The orca ( Orcinus orca), or killer whale, is a toothed whale that is the largest member of the oceanic dolphin family. ![]()
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