Orcas are known to be smart and ruthless hunters. They've been observed hunting a variety of prey, with some species, such as whales, larger than themselves. They use a wide range of strategies to hunt and kill prey, but now, in the Gulf of California, researchers have observed one that hasn't been described before.
  • Eheran@lemmy.world
    3·
    2 hours ago

    but now, in the Gulf of California, researchers have observed one that hasn’t been described before.

    In July 2024, Ayres observed [this behavior]

    In September 2025, a similar event, filmed [this]

    ???

    • anthropomorphized@lemmy.world
      1·
      6 minutes ago

      Observe =/= Described in this context, I think that’s the question? I’m not an academic but “described” in my undergrad biology meant like, to describe a new species, so you would want several examples to put forth an hypothesis. Those are the two examples sited here, I believe the videographers are conservatiionists, maybe not the publishing type. This published paper is describing this behavior for academic scrutiny/comparison, biological/zoological theory crafting across institutions that do that kind of thing.

      Like how in the article they’re theorizing about why this species of large sunfish fucking disintegrates on impact, no one else does. Also unique to this species is a thick thick layer of mucus with a remarkable biome (as in the article remarks on it, this is not my area of expertise), so they’re wondering what’s that about? And then another place might have a sunfish specimen in collection to investigate properties of the skin that might provide clues. It’s a good little article! I like the idea that biome does something to seed the locale, and it’s definitely parents cutting up food for the baby.