Orca

Natural-Born Killer: This distinctive black and white toothed cetacean (whales, dolphins and porpoises) can be found in oceans worldwide. Also known as the killer whale, the orca is an excellent hunter. All types of fish — from herring to white sharks, to marine mammals such as whales and seals, and even turtles and birds — are not safe when the orca is nearby.

Hunting Techniques: Orcas have perfected several inventive techniques to catch their prey. One method is for large groups of orcas to work as a team to herd victims together before attacking from different angles. Orcas will also frequently force seals and sea lions to beach, giving the hunter an easy catch in the shallow water. Tipping over ice floes to unbalance a tasty meal is another trick.

A Social Cetacean: This is a social animal and it swims the oceans in large family groups, called pods, of approximately 30 mixed-sex individuals, although pods of over 150 orcas have been spotted.

Orca Culture?: Different orca populations can have very different vocal behavior, hunting techniques and social behavior. These behaviors are learned and passed on to subsequent generations, much like human culture.