QUESTION:
We read that orcas live in all the oceans of the world. Do you 
see orcas in Antarctica?  If you do, how much do you think they weigh?

        Mrs. Baker's Second Grade Mammal Research Group
        Fyle Elemnetary School
 



ANSWER from Janet Barnes, Aboard the RV Polar Duke 
            Sat, 5 Apr 1997 17:30:34 +0000 (GMT)


Hi to Mrs. Baker's Mammal Research Group!

We definitely see Orca's in the Antarctic!  In fact nineteen species of
whales occur in the waters off of this continent.  Male killer whales
reach nine meters in length and the females 8 meters.  Weights can reach
up to 7 to 8 tons.  The dorsal fin of the males can measure up to 1.8
meters in length.  In comparison, a male sperm whale can reach up to 70
tons (The Biology of the Southern Ocean, George A. Knox, Cambridge 
University Press).

Thanks for your question!
Janet Barnes