Bite Force:
- Bite Force Range: Killer whales have a bite force that ranges from approximately 19,000 to 22,000 pounds per square inch (psi).
- Comparison: For reference, the bite force of a great white shark is estimated to be around 4,000 psi, while humans typically have a bite force of around 200 psi.
Teeth:
- Sharp Teeth: Killer whales have a set of large, conical teeth designed for grasping, tearing, and crushing prey. These teeth are continuously replaced throughout their lives.
- Number of Teeth: Adult killer whales usually have between 42 and 50 teeth, with 20 to 24 teeth on each side of the upper and lower jaws.
Jaw Muscles:
- Powerful Muscles: The jaw muscles of killer whales are incredibly strong, allowing them to exert immense pressure when biting.
- Specialized Muscles: Killer whales have specialized jaw muscles that provide the ability to generate both a gripping force for seizing prey and a powerful shearing force for tearing through flesh and bone.
Hunting and Predation:
- Diverse Prey: Killer whales feed on a variety of prey, including fish, seals, sea lions, penguins, and even other cetaceans. They work together in groups, using echolocation and cooperative tactics to hunt their prey.
- Hunting Techniques: Killer whales use various techniques to capture and kill their prey. One common method is the "ram and bite" technique, where they ram the prey with their powerful bodies and then bite to immobilize or kill it.
The tremendous bite pressure of killer whales allows them to subdue and consume their prey efficiently. Although they are apex predators, killer whales typically hunt and feed in pods or family groups, displaying remarkable social behavior and cooperative hunting strategies.