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Daily News Analysis

Orcas

20th May, 2024 Environment

Orcas

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Context:

  • Two people were rescued after a group of orcas, also known as killer whales, sank their 15-meter-long sailing yacht in the Strait of Gibraltar.

Orcas

  • Scientific name: Orcinus orca
  • The orca, or killer whale, is a toothed whale that is the largest member of the oceanic dolphin family.
  • It is the only extant species in the genus Orcinus.
  • They are recognizable by their black-and-white patterned body.
  • Distribution: They are found in diverse marine environments, from Arctic to Antarctic regions to tropical seas.
  • Socialisation: They are highly social; some populations are composed of highly stable matrilineal family groups (pods).
  • International Union for Conservation of Nature conservation status: Data deficient.
  • Threats: habitat loss, pollution (by PCBs), capture for marine mammal parks, and conflicts with human fisheries.

Source:

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-sci-tech/orcas-sinking-boats-9335819/

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q.  Consider the following statements about “Orcas”

1)They are the smallest member of the oceanic dolphin Family.

2)They are only found in Arctic to Antarctic regions.

3)The IUCN categorises them as endangered species.

4)They are social and have matrilineal family groups.

How many  of the above statements is/are correct?

A. only one

B. only two

C. only three

D  All four

Answer: A