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Encyclopedia entry: Killer Whales
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A.W. TRITES
Canadian Encyclopedia
01-01-2002
Killer Whales
Author: A.W. TRITES
Killer whales (
Orcinus orca
) are found in all the oceans of the world. They are the largest member of the dolphin family. They are rarely seen in the coastal waters of Atlantic Canada, but are frequent and reliable visitors along the Pacific coast. Killer whales in BC can be individually identified from naturally occurring marks and nicks on the dorsal fins, and the shape of the grey saddle patch at the base of the fin. Photographic catalogues of the whales identify each animal and allow researchers to learn many details about the lives of individuals and groups of animals.
Three ecologically ...