Killer whale ecotypes: is there a global model?

摘要: Killer whales, Orcinus orca, are top predators occupying key ecological roles in a variety of ecosystems and one the most widely distributed mammals on planet. In consequence, there has been significant interest understanding their basic biology ecology. Long-term studies Northern Hemisphere killer particularly eastern North Pacific (ENP), have identified three ecologically distinct communities or ecotypes that region. The success these prominent ENP led to similar efforts at clarifying role whale ecology other regions, including Antarctica. Southern Hemisphere, whales present range behavioural, social morphological characteristics biologists, who often interpret this as evidence categorize individuals groups, draw general conclusions about super-predators. Morphologically forms (Type A, B, C, D) occur Ocean different presented conjunction with for specialised behaviours. Here we review current knowledge ecotyping globally synthesis existing knowledge. particular, highlight complexity examine context comparatively well-studied populations. We suggest assigning erroneous prefatory ecotypic status could be detrimental subsequent studies, because unsubstantiated may assumed result such classification. On basis, also recommend classification morphotypes reserved until more evidence-based taxonomic data obtained.