Abdelrahman
Orcas demonstrate their supremacy in the ocean food chain, especially to great white sharks. Photo: YouTube/Screenshot
Orcas are called killer whales for a reason. In a sea dominated by apex predators, orcas have established themselves at the top of the food chain, as illustrated in this brief clip showcasing an orca making a bold statement to a great white shark.
It’s well-known that orcas have been observed hunting and consuming great whites, often prioritizing their livers. In fact, these magnificent creatures can efficiently target this vital organ for a quick meal.
Marine mammal expert Dr. Luke Rendell from the University of St. Andrews stated, “A great white shark is a substantial source of nourishment, so it’s not surprising that certain orca pods, where these sharks are plentiful, have adapted their hunting strategies to take advantage of this food source.”
Orcas are also known for their remarkable intelligence and employing various strategies to secure their prey. In the featured clip from National Geographic, a skilled orca matriarch named Sophia targets a great white and accelerates towards it with incredible speed. She then crashes into the shark’s side, causing damage to its internal structure. While sharks don’t possess ribs in the traditional sense, they have gill arches that protect their essential gill filaments. Once the shark is incapacitated, Sophia finishes the hunt by suffocating it. Surprisingly, even in the water, some sharks rely on continuous movement to keep oxygenated water flowing over their gills.
Though it can be distressing to witness, such scenes are part of the reality of life in the wild. The orca likely aimed to utilize the shark as a food resource for her family, highlighting the cyclical nature of life in the animal kingdom.
