Hobbies And Interests
Size
Sizes of newborn whales vary between populations and regions. In general, a newborn calf weighs about 400 pounds and is about 6 feet long. Male killer whales can weigh 9 tons and reach 32 feet in length. Females are smaller and weight about 4 tons, with a length of about 23 feet.
Color
The most striking and recognizable aspect of the killer whale is its black and white pattern. The top of the whale is mostly black, with the exception of a white or gray saddle behind the dorsal fin. The bottom of the whale, including the chin, throat, the central part of the underside and the underside of the flukes are white or cream-colored. It has a recognizable white, oval patches behind the eyes.
Fins
The dorsal fin of a killer whale makes this animal instantly recognizable. It is shaped like an isosceles triangle in males and can reach 6 feet in height. Females and immature males have dorsal fins that are curved and about half the length of an adult male. The pectoral flippers are broad and rounded, measuring about 3 feet in width and 6 feet in length
Social Structure
Killer whales have been documented using photographs since the early seventies. The best known and studied populations are in the northern Pacific coast of Canada and the United States. These consist of resident and transient pods. Resident pods are matriarchal in structure, sometimes with only a female and her offspring that stay with her for life. Others have several females and one or more males, including some juveniles. Transient pods consist individuals that are not necessarily related, with individuals joining and leaving the pods. Some pods only form temporarily for the purpose of hunting.