Here are some of the most well-known ecotypes:
By Geographic Region:
* Resident: Found primarily in coastal waters, often in the same areas throughout the year. They eat primarily salmon.
* Transient: Found in open ocean and coastal waters, often traveling long distances. They prey on marine mammals like seals and dolphins.
* Offshore: Found in deep waters, far from shore. Their diet is less well understood but may include sharks and squid.
By Behavioral Traits:
* "Bigg's" or "Type A" orcas: Known for their distinctive dorsal fin shape (tall and curved) and their focus on eating salmon, similar to resident orcas. However, they are more nomadic and less social than resident orcas.
* "Type B" orcas: Characterized by their small dorsal fin and their hunting of seals, similar to transient orcas. They also display different vocalizations and social structures.
* "Type C" orcas: Found in the northern hemisphere, they are less well understood than other ecotypes and have been observed eating sharks and other fish.
Important Note:
* These categories are not absolute, and some populations may show characteristics of multiple ecotypes.
* Scientists continue to study orcas and learn more about their diversity and behavior.
It's crucial to remember that all orcas are endangered or threatened, and it's important to respect them and their habitats.