Although they share some similarities such as being highly intelligent, social, and having a dorsal fin, killer whales and dolphins have distinct physical and behavioral characteristics that differentiate them.
Killer whales are larger than most dolphin species, with some individuals growing up to 30 feet in length and weighing several tons. They have black and white markings, a distinctively curved dorsal fin, and large, powerful jaws adapted for hunting prey. Despite their name, killer whales are actually the largest members of the dolphin family.
Killer whales are marine mammals, while dolphins can be found in both marine and freshwater habitats. Killer whales are apex predators, feeding primarily on marine mammals such as seals, sea lions, and even other dolphins. On the other hand, dolphins have a diverse diet that includes fish, squid, and some invertebrates.
In terms of their social behavior, killer whales live in matrilineal societies with strong familial bonds. Each pod or group of killer whales is led by a dominant female, and these pods can be quite stable over long periods of time. On the other hand, dolphins tend to have less rigid social structures, with varying levels of sociality depending on the species. Some dolphins live in large cohesive groups, while others form smaller pods or may even be solitary.
In conclusion, killer whales, Orcinus orca, are members of the dolphin family Delphinidae but are not considered true dolphins. They belong to their own genus and display different physical characteristics, diet, and social behavior compared to other dolphins.