* Target: Orcas are opportunistic predators and will target whales of various sizes, depending on the population and location. They often target young, sick, or injured whales, as they are easier to bring down.
* Hunting Tactics: Orcas use their intelligence and teamwork to bring down larger prey. They will work together to separate a whale from its pod, tire it out, and then attack.
* Feeding: Orcas typically attack the whale's flanks, using their powerful teeth to tear away large chunks of flesh and blubber. They may also go for the whale's tongue or even the baleen plates of baleen whales.
* Sharing: Orcas are social creatures and share their kill with the entire pod. They often take turns feeding and guarding their prey.
Important to Note:
* Orcas are apex predators and a crucial part of the marine ecosystem.
* Their predation on whales is a natural part of the food chain, contributing to healthy whale populations by keeping them from overgrazing.
* There are rare cases of orcas killing adult whales, but this is not their primary prey.
It's crucial to understand that orcas are not "whale eaters" in the sense of regularly consuming entire whales. Their hunting strategies are complex and involve a balance of intelligence, teamwork, and opportunistic predation.