CUPSC Relevance
Prelims: Environment and Ecology (Species in news - Orca, their characteristics, habitat, conservation status); General Science (Animal Behavior, Cognition).
Mains:
General Studies Paper 3 (Environment & Biodiversity): Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation; Biodiversity and its conservation. The study of animal behavior is relevant to understanding ecosystems and framing conservation policies.
General Studies Paper 4 (Ethics): The concepts of altruism vs. manipulation in non-human species can be an interesting point of discussion on ethical behavior.
Key Highlights from the News
Orcas, the largest members of the dolphin family (also known as killer whales), are confirmed by a new study to share their prey with humans.
A key characteristic of this behavior is that they wait for a human response after offering the prey.
Researchers speculate that this is not just playing, but rather a form of exploration and "scientific thinking" to learn and understand their environment.
Orcas are highly intelligent creatures with cognition and complex social behaviors. Their pods are usually led by the oldest female, the matriarch.
Researchers warn that while this behavior may appear superficially prosocial, it could also be deceptive or for selfish gain.
These increasing interactions between humans and orcas may help improve their conservation efforts.
Detailed Explanation: Key Concepts
Orcas (Killer Whales):
Key Characteristics: The largest member of the oceanic dolphin family. They are Apex predators at the top of the food chain.
Social Structure: Orcas have a very complex social structure. They live in family groups known as 'pods'. These groups typically follow a matriarchal order, led by an adult female. They are skilled at cooperative hunting and communication.
Intelligence/Cognition: Orcas have the second largest brain among marine mammals. They are capable of solving problems, teaching their young to hunt, and each pod can develop its own "culture."
Prosocial Behavior & Altruism in Animals:
Prosocial Behavior: Voluntary behavior intended to benefit another.
Altruism: Behavior that benefits others of their own species, even if it is detrimental to their own survival. Sharing food is an example.
Animal Cognition:
Refers to the mental abilities of non-human animals. This includes learning, memory, and decision-making abilities. This behavior of orcas is an example of their high cognitive ability.
Conservation Status:
IUCN Red List: The global conservation status of orcas is recorded as 'Data Deficient' (DD). This is because scientists believe there may be many subspecies of orcas, and not enough studies have been conducted on them.
However, some specific orca populations (e.g., Southern Resident Killer Whales) are listed as 'Endangered'.
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