Tue, 19 March 2019
There was a National Geographic article that came out a couple of weeks ago claiming their research team found a "New" type of Orca in the subantarctic (coastal Antarctica). The "New" ecotype of orca is called Type D and it has clear morphological differences as the eyepatch is larger, the dorsal fin is longer and more narrow, and the animal is shorter than other Orcas. Unfortunately, their claims that the species is new are false. Researchers have known about the Ecotype D Orca since 1904. It is great that the team of scientists and explorers were able to get underwater video as well as a tissue sample for DNA analysis. Scientists might be able to figure out whether the ecotypes are genetically difference, which would mean there may be a new species. What are your thoughts on the article? Share your thoughts in the Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group. Want to get started on living for a better Ocean? Sign up for the Grove Collaborative and get a free gift: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean.
Direct download: SUFB_S731_WasAnArticleClaimingToFindANewOrcaSpeciesOverblown.mp3
Category:Orca -- posted at: 1:00pm EDT |