Orcas

Although different populations of orcas sometimes specialize on certain kinds of prey, orcas have a varied diet. Some dolphin species just consume fish, while others hunt seals and other dolphin species. Baleen whale calves and even adults have been known to be attacked by them. Due to the lack of any other natural predators, orcas are apex predators. They are very sociable, and certain populations are made up of the most stable matrilineal family units (pods) of any animal species. They have been referred to as representations of animal culture because of their complex hunting methods and vocal behaviors, which are frequently unique to a single group and passed down through generations.

Sea otters haven't always been a meal for orcas. Sea lions and seals have traditionally been their preferred prey. The population of these two, however, has significantly decreased. Sea otters have become the whales' go-to source of food as sea lions and seals are no longer as common as they once were, particularly in the North Pacific. The population of sea otters has decreased as a result, particularly in western Alaska. Because sea otters are their primary predator throughout this drop, sea urchin populations have increased. Kelp densities have decreased due to the rise in sea urchin numbers. As a result, the kelp forest ecology is slowly dying.