Killer Whales Just Wanna Have Fun - According to Scientists
Researchers have determined that killer whale groups form “superpods” to create and maintain social bonds with other whales.
Just like people, killer whales (Orcinus orca) get together to maintain social ties. Although the whales usually live in small pods of 20 or so, they also go in search of other pods, forming aggregate groups of approximately 100. These aquatic gatherings last from a few hours to nearly half a day, according to BBC Earth News.
Scientists from the Far East Russia Orca project observed the killer whales engaging in social behaviors with other pods, such as synchronized swimming and “rubbing flippers”, while in these larger groups. They also noticed that the whales’ sexual activity increased while in the “superpods” - indicating that these gatherings give the whales an opportunities to check out potential mates. Pairing with a whale from another pod likely increases genetic diversity throughout the whale population.
