I know that Killer Whales do kill Great whites
but why would they do that
why bother on such a dangerous prey.
all i know they have the same prey-seal
maybe it becouse of a competition over hunting zones.
any one who knows the answer, i will be happey to hear some suggestion.
2007-07-29 01:24:39 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Zoology
Killer whales not only kill great whites, but actively hunt them down. Most scientists believe this to be basic safe-guarding of their enviroment, as Whites will often look at young whales as food, and damage even adult males when approached unexpectedly (which is rare).
Having said all that, dolphins and orcas do hunt sharks in packs sometimes, but that doesnt mean they cant kill a shark one on one. In fact, the shark, even a large one, is at a great disadvantage to the orca. A full grown orca is smarter, faster, stronger and more maneuverable. On top of that, even if the White gets a bite in, it will likely lead to a good wound, but will take an extremely well placed bite, or many bites, to lead to death. When an orca attacks a shark, it almost always kils the shark with one bite.
Side note: Dolphins hunt Whites as a group, by ramming their gill slots with their noses.
2007-07-29 05:03:06 · answer #1 · answered by Eric C 2 · 4⤊ 0⤋
A Killer Whale is no match for a Great White on it's own but they travel in pods that would be more than a match for a Great White. The sharks are just eating machines while to Whales are intelligent like dolphins. An altercation would likely be started by the great white attacking a young or weak Whale. The Whale Pod's are families like elephant's, lions or dolphins and are extremely protective of their own. They also have extremely advanced communication so if one of their own is under attacked to pod will instantly come to the rescue and shred a Great White to pieces. It would be unusual for a pod to hunt Great Whites as a food source, they diet mainly on seals as you mentioned an salmon.
2007-07-29 01:45:27 · answer #2 · answered by gary d 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋
a killer whale willkill a great white to protect it's young. killer whales are also very smart and seem to know what the shark is up too
2007-07-29 03:52:33 · answer #3 · answered by just me 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I once saw from an aeroplane in Northern Queensland a very large saltwater crocodile and a big shark do battle just offhore from the mouth of a river. The crocodile won, and it seemed obvious that it merely regarded the dangerous shark as its next meal.
2007-07-29 01:33:23 · answer #4 · answered by AndrewG 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
They will kill, because if not the great white will also attack them. Killer whales eat fish and other meats, they will also eat shark!
2007-07-29 02:22:45 · answer #5 · answered by Ren E 2 · 1⤊ 2⤋
I guess the Killer Whale, it's bigger (right?) but sharks and whales don't really mix... Yes, the shark is more 'vicious' but I guess the whale.
2007-07-29 01:55:35 · answer #6 · answered by shadowangelwings 2 · 2⤊ 2⤋
killer whales belong to the dolphin family, very smart mammals, you wont be wrong if you said they do this to eliminate competition...
2007-07-29 01:30:52 · answer #7 · answered by Urban Hermit 4 · 3⤊ 1⤋