Question

Killer whales (Orcinus orca) are found throughout most of the Atlantic Ocean, Pacific Ocean, and Indian Ocean. Based on this geographic range, the species is said to be__________________.

a) Endemic
b) Invasive
c) Cosmopolitan
d) Endangered
e) Specialist

Answer 1

Based on their extensive geographic distribution, killer whales are classified as 'cosmopolitan,' which implies they are found widely across the globe.

Step-by-step explanation:

Killer whales (Orcinus orca) are distributed throughout most of the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans, which indicates a broad geographical range. The term used to describe species that are distributed widely across the globe, in contrast to those that occupy a specific and smaller geographic locale, is cosmopolitan. Hence, based on the options provided, the correct choice would be (c) Cosmopolitan. An endemic species, such as the koala, is found naturally in a specific geographic area that is usually limited in size, while a species like the raccoon, which is a generalist, can live in a wide variety of geographic areas. The presence of killer whales in vast oceanic regions supports their classification as cosmopolitan.