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Author: Nataly Bello 

Illustrator: Nataly Bello & Ms. Sanders Second 

Grade Class 

Anatomical studies and observations of behavior 

indicate that a killer whale's sense of touch is well 

developed.   The most sensitive areas are the blowhole 

region and areas around the eyes and mouth.

A killer whale’s blubber layer lies beneath the dermis and 

measures from 7.6 to 10 cm (3–4 in.) thick. Blubber is a 

layer of fat reinforced by collagen and elastic fibers. 

Researchers believe that orcas are able to communicate 

with each other, perform conversations and mothers 

“educate” their young and teach them discipline, as well as 

techniques for hunting.

The Killer Whales diet mainly consists of meat, they are 

considered carnivores, they eat things such as sea lions, 

crabs, other whales and more. 

Early whales evolved over 50 million years ago from 

mammals that returned to the sea.

The body type of a killer whale is like that of a cylinder. 

This body type is known as fusiform and lets the whale 

swim efficiently. 

In 2012, a team of Chinese scientists showed that a gene 

called ASPM it creates molecular structures that help 

cells to divide evenly.

Killer whales have never been consistently exploited on a 

large-scale basis. They have been hunted mostly u humans 

for their meat, hides, blubber and internal organs. 

A killer whale’s large teeth are conical and interlocking. 

Toothed whales have only one set of teeth; they are not 

replaced once lost.

Sea World has helped in the rescue of many types of 

animals including killer whales. Sea World assisted these 

animals when they were stranded. Among the many they 

resuce was a   hearing-impaired rescued juvenile (young) 

killer whale. 

Killer Whales are sensitive to changes in the environment 

and their habitat is effected as a result of global warming 

and human activities. They are considered an endangered 

species.

Male orcas have a life expectancy of 50-60 years. Females 

have a life expectancy of 90 years.

Killer whales usually cruise at much slower speeds, less than 

13 kph (8 mph). They can cruise slowly for long periods of 

time. Killer whales are agile and maneuverable in the water.

Killer whales are commonly found in the North Pacific 

Ocean region. 

The genus species of the killer is Orcinus Orca, the Latin 

name Orcinus translates as "belonging to Orcus," Orcus was 

a Roman god of the netherworld, and this genus name is 

likely a reference to the ferocious reputation of the killer 

whale. 

A killer whale's forelimbs are adapted for swimming. A 

killer whales uses its rounded, paddlelike pectoral flippers 

to steer and, with the help of the flukes, to stop.

Killer whales are among the quickest swimming marine 

mammals. Killer whales can swim at speeds of up to 45 kph 

(28 mph), but probably only for a few seconds at a time. 

The respiration that occurs within killer whales is when they 

breathe through a single blowhole on top of its head. The 

blowhole is relaxed in a closed position. To open the 

blowhole, a killer whale contracts the muscular flap covering 

the blowhole.

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