What group of animals sets the false killer whale apart from being solely a fish-eater?
Answer
Other dolphins, porpoises, and smaller species of whales.
While fish and squid form the staple elements of their diet, the documented consumption of other marine mammals distinguishes the false killer whale from being exclusively a piscivore. They have been observed actively preying upon other smaller cetaceans, specifically including other dolphins and porpoises, and sometimes smaller species of whales. This carnivorous behavior targeting marine mammals brings them behaviorally closer in predatory scope to the true killer whale, even if the frequency and size of the prey differ. This specialized hunting of other cetaceans suggests significant physical capability and the need for sophisticated, potentially cooperative, hunting strategies.
Related Questions
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