Orcas Are Actually Dolphins

Throughout history, orcas have acquired the nickname “killer whale,” but it turns out these sea creatures are a part of the dolphin family. All whales, dolphins, and porpoises are classified as Cetacea, or cetaceans –– which is derived from the Ancient Greek word meaning sea monster. Cetaceans are split into two groups: toothed and baleen whales. Orcas are actually the largest species in the dolphin family. They are the ocean’s top predator, preying on a range of marine species (sometimes even whales!).