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Researchers can identify individual killer whales by recognizing differences in the appearance of the dorsal fin and saddle.

A killer whale has a sleek, streamlined, fusiform body. Its physical characteristics are adapted for life in an aquatic environment. To the side is a male killer whale, below is a female killer whale.

A killer whale breathes through a single blowhole. It inhales and closes the muscular flap before diving.

A countercurrent heat exchange system in the flippers, flukes, and dorsal fin helps killer whales maintain body temperature.

Killer whale behavior includes (from left) spyhopping, breaching, lobtailing and pec-slapping.

Killer whales often hunt cooperatively.

newborn with it's family

how the killer whale hears

Researchers can estimate a killer whale's age by examining a sliced section of tooth and counting growth layer groups.