Killer whales in a changing ocean: emerging behaviors, ecotypes, and ecological considerations

Killer whale research occupies a vital space in marine ecology, illuminating the complex interactions between apex predators and their environments. Despite their global distribution, numerous facets of killer whale biology, and ecology remain incompletely understood, particularly as marine ecosystems undergo unprecedented environmental transformations. Contemporary studies have begun to reveal how changing ocean conditions — due to natural and anthropogenic factors — are shaping the lives of killer whales. Recent advances, including the identification of emerging ecotypes and the documentation of culturally transmitted hunting techniques, underscore the dynamic adaptability of these cetaceans but also highlight substantial knowledge gaps that must be addressed.Present debates in the field center around the mechanisms driving novel behaviors and how these relate to ecological context and survival. There is growing recognition that killer whales may be developing new social structures, acoustic signals, and foraging strategies in response to rapid changes in habitat and resource availability. However, our understanding of these adaptive processes—and their wider implications for ocean ecosystems—remains limited by the challenges of studying such mobile, wide-ranging species. Integrative, innovative approaches that combine behavioral ecology, acoustic monitoring, genetics, and ecosystem science are increasingly necessary to capture the full complexity of killer whale responses to a changing ocean.This Research Topic aims to deepen our understanding of the biology and ecology of orcas, taking into account the diversification of ecotypes and their ecological importance in the face of environmental changes. By synthesizing emerging data and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, the goal is to reveal both the drivers and consequences of new killer whale behaviors and adaptations, illuminating how these apex predators both influence and are influenced by evolving marine ecosystems.To gather further insights into the adaptive strategies and ecological roles of killer whales in a rapidly changing ocean, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:- Documentation and analysis of novel behaviors among killer whale populations- Emergence, differentiation, and ecology of killer whale ecotypes- Impacts of environmental and anthropogenic changes on killer whale distribution and social structure- Advances in acoustic monitoring and interpretation of killer whale communication- Ecosystem-level effects of killer whale predation and movement patterns- Cross-disciplinary approaches integrating genetics, bioacoustics, and behavioral ecology- Other biological and ecological aspects that contribute to the understanding and conservation of this species.More information on article types accepted within Frontiers in Marine Science can be found here. Topic editors: Jesus Erick Higuera Rivas, CHRISTIAN DANIEL ORTEGA ORTIZ Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/78794/killer-whales-in-a-changing-ocean-emerging-behaviors-ecotypes-and-ecological-considerations