Killer Whale (orca)

Am I right in thinking that the orca isn't actually a whale, it's a dolphin? I'm confused because I saw a site that said it was a member of the dolphin family, but then another said it was a WHALE and also a member of the dolphin family.

Didn't think this was possible!? jennyjen02 (Fri 00:26 03/Jul/09)

FAO Stokemaveric Killer Whale (orca)

Report this question

Subscribe to question

Post an Answer

Answers 1 to 2 of 2

Clanad		(Fri 01:27 03/Jul/09) Orcinus orca CLASS: Mammalia ORDER: Cetacea SUBORDER: Odontoceti FAMILY: Delphinidae GENUS: Orcinus SPECIES: orca The Order Cetacea includes two sub-orders; Mysticeti (baleen whales) and Odontoceti (toothed whales)... meaning Orcas are in the same Class, Order but differing Famiy (there are, currently 5 recognized families within Cetacea) . "...The terms whale, dolphin, and porpoise need explanation. As here used, the term whale is all-inclusive and may be applied to any cetacean. The term dolphin applies to those small whales that have a distinct snout or beak and numerous conical teeth that are roughly circular in cross-section. The term porpoise applies to those small, blunt-nosed whales that have flat, spade-shaped teeth." (Source: Order Cetacea...)
dave123123		(Fri 19:25 03/Jul/09) your right ,an orca isnt a whale but a member of the dolphin family.its is called a killer whale because it actually kills whales for food.

Answers 1 to 2 of 2

Search In The AnswerBank