Summary
In the marine food chain, the killer whale occupies the top of the pyramid. Falsely likened to a killer whale, it has long been reduced to a fearsome predator. This reputation is reinforced by the numerous interactions between killer whales and boats that have taken place in the Strait of Gibraltar since 2020, causing a veritable “killer whale phobia.”
However, the behavior of killer whales in their natural environment and their ecology remain largely unknown to the general public. With an enormous capacity for learning, orcas live in highly structured family groups and exhibit diverse cultural behaviors (communication, hunting techniques, games, etc.). Furthermore, although the species is not globally threatened, environmental changes are putting certain populations at risk.
Summarizing current knowledge about orcas, this book offers a critical perspective on misconceptions about these animals and invites readers to discover their world through immersive and captivating photos.
Table of contents
Foreword by Robert Pitman (Marine Mammal Institute, Oregon State University)
Preface
1 The orca is a fish. FALSE
2 The orca is a whale. FALSE
3 The orca deserves its nickname “killer whale”. FALSE
4 The species was discovered recently. FALSE
5 In the 1st century, Pliny described an orca. QUESTIONABLE
6 The orca has been overlooked by scientists. NEEDS CLARIFICATION
7 The orca does not appear in any mythological bestiary. FALSE
8 Orcas are feared all over the world. NEEDS CLARIFICATION
9 Orcas live mainly in polar waters. NEEDS CLARIFICATION
10 Orcas are not found in French waters. FALSE
11 Orcas live to be barely 50 years old. QUESTIONABLE
12 All orcas are identical. FALSE
13 All orcas have the same behavior. FALSE
14 Orcas live in huge pods. FALSE
15 The social structure of orcas is unchanging. QUESTIONABLE
16 Their mating rituals are violent. FALSE
17 Orcas are champions at holding their breath. FALSE
18 Orcas defend their territory. NEEDS CLARIFICATION
19 Orcas commit group suicide. FALSE
20 Orcas are silent. FALSE
21 Orcas never sleep. FALSE
22 This animal is insatiable! FALSE
23 Orcas have only one hunting technique. FALSE
24 Orcas hunt whales. NEED CLARIFICATION
25 The great white shark is the number one enemy. FALSE
26 All marine creatures are afraid of orcas. FALSE
27 Orcas do not show emotion. FALSE
28 Orcas do not care for their young. FALSE
29 Orcas never leave their natural habitat. QUESTIONABLE
30 Orcas do not exhibit cultural behaviors. FALSE
31 Orcas are the stars of aquariums. FALSE
32 This cetacean adapts well to captivity FALSE
33 Orcas in captivity are docile FALSE
34 Orcas are the bane of the movie industry. FALSE
35 Orcas are dangerous. QUESTIONABLE
36 Humans are prey for orcas. FALSE
37 Orcas avoid humans. FALSE
38 Tragic boat accidents. FALSE
39 Orcas in Gibraltar attack sailboats. NEEDS CLARIFICATION
40 All orcas are endangered. NEEDS CLARIFICATION
Acknowledgments
Image credits
