Orca

Scottish Country Dance Instruction

1- 8 1s turn RH and cast 1 place, dance down between 3s and cast up 1 place into centre facing up
9-16 1s (Lady Leading) dance an Alternating Tandem reel of 3 with 2s (RSh to 2L to start)
17-24 1s dance up between 2s, cast to 2nd place and turn RH.

(MINICRIB. Dance crib compiled by Charles Upton, Deeside Caledonian Society, and his successors)

Keith Rose's Crib Diagrams

Orca - Full Size And Key To Symbols

Dance Information

Killer whales are found in all oceans, from the frigid Arctic and Antarctic regions to tropical seas. They are very sophisticated and effective predators and are extremely intelligent, having the second-largest brains among marine mammals.

As the largest member of the dolphin family, killer whales are easily distinguishable by their distinctive black and white coloration and well-defined markings. Widely recognized for their intelligence, social structure, and formidable predatory skills, killer whales have become subjects of significant scientific interest and public fascination.

Killer whales are distributed throughout various oceanic environments, including both cold and warm waters. Their adaptability has allowed them to inhabit diverse ecosystems, from polar regions to tropical seas. Their global presence underscores their capacity to thrive in a range of conditions, making them one of the most widely distributed marine mammals.

The diet of killer whales is highly diverse, encompassing fish, seals, sea lions, and even other cetaceans. The adaptability in their feeding habits is further demonstrated by regional variations in diet, with some populations specializing in specific prey types. This adaptability has contributed to the killer whale's reputation as an apex predator in marine ecosystems.

One distinctive feature of killer whales is their complex social structure. They form matrilineal groups led by the eldest female, emphasizing strong family bonds. These familial units, known as pods, exhibit cooperative hunting strategies and sophisticated communication through vocalizations and echolocation. The cultural transmission of behaviors and vocal dialects within these pods contributes to their distinctiveness.

The conservation status of killer whales varies among different populations. While some groups face threats from pollution, habitat degradation, and declining prey availability, others are relatively stable. The captive display of killer whales, particularly in marine parks, has raised ethical concerns and sparked debates regarding their welfare in captivity. Efforts to better understand and protect wild killer whale populations continue to be a focal point of marine conservation initiatives.

Orca, Breaching

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