19. They Target Specific Populations
Speaking of specific populations, orcas have several distinct ecotypes that differ almost completely from one another. These different groups have different dialects, hunting patterns, preferred prey, preferred living area, and more. Resident orcas, for example, are largely fish-eaters. They hunt salmon, mackerel, cod, and more, whereas transient orcas – or traveling pods – eat aquatic mammals like seals, Minke whales, and even gray whale calves.
However, even within these distinct groups, orcas break down into more specific, individualized preferences. While Alaskan orcas are generalized fish eaters, Northern and Southern resident orca pods seem to eat salmon nearly exclusively. Some of these regional groups even choose to only eat a specific type of salmon, whale, or seal.