Why are orcas black and white? Learn how their unique eye patches and bellies help them hunt and hide underwater.
), also known as Killer whales, are easily recognized by their black-and-white markings on their bodies. More specifically, these whales have an iconic white patch near their eyes. But why do these mammals sport the markings?
There are various thoughts as to why orcas have these patterns. Their coloring pattern has multiple uses, from camouflage to coordination as they swim. The patterns also help researchers study genetics within a pod.The orca’s black-and-white bodies help them blend in with their surroundings and make them appear smaller. The darker markings shrink their body outlines, and in sunlight underwater, some prey might not recognize the whale as a dangerous predator.
Aside from their black-and-white pattern, the whales sport grey splotches called saddle patches near their dorsal fin that scientists use to identify individuals.can serve as a way for the killer whales to read social cues and coordinate hunting and swimming in formation. Similar to their overall body markings, the white patches above their eyes might also serve a camouflaging purpose to confuse prey. This stealthy method allows orcas to approach prey without them realizing it.
While most orcas have symmetrical eye patches that are aligned straight across their bodies, a few whales from the Scottish islands, the Hebrides, have eye patches that slope at the end and align with their tail instead. The study found that because of this, the specific population of whales has low gene flow since they mostly keep to themselves instead of intermingling with other whale pods.
Even more recently, researchers say that the coloring and shape of the killer whale’s saddle patch differ among subspecies of killer whales. A study published in thefound that ‘resident’ and ‘transient’ killer whales were different ecotypes or variations of orca characteristics specific to a region. The orcas can have different body sizes,Orcas are known as killer whales because of their hunting strategies and because they prey on larger whale species.
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