Thursday, October 23, 2008

Ask Shamu!


Why is Shamu black and white?

The coloration of killer whales may enhance their ability to hunt. Killer whales are counter-shaded; they are dark on their dorsal surface andwhite on their ventral surface. The dark side blends in with the murky ocean depths when viewed from above. The light ventral side blends in with the lightersurface of the sea when seen from below. The result is that prey have a difficult time seeing a contrast between the counter-shaded killer whale and the environment.

In addition, killer whales have disruptive coloration, a camouflage in which the color pattern of an animal contradicts the animal's body shape. In the flickering, filtered sunlight of the sea, other animals may not recognize a killer whale as a potential threat.
You can purchase tickets to visit Shamu and friends at SeaWorld by going to www.kgstickets.com
Source: SeaWorld
Posted by: Michael Crandell

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