The Terrifying Intelligence of Evolving Orcas

Orcas, also known as killer whales, exhibit a range of intelligent behaviors that contribute to their success as a species. They engage in fads, such as wearing salmon as hats, and participate in "greeting ceremonies" as a form of social interaction. Orcas have distinct dialects within their pods and employ specialized hunting strategies, such as beaching themselves to catch seals or creating waves to push seals off ice. They are picky eaters, targeting specific organs of sharks for their nutritional value. Orcas form social bonds and exhibit signs of grief, as seen in a female orca pushing her dead calf for weeks. They can be trained in captivity, although this practice is controversial. Orcas care for one another, with mothers and grandmothers providing support and guidance. Their large brains enable them to analyze underwater environments using echolocation. Additionally, there is historical evidence of orcas hunting whales alongside humans.