Top Ten Most Intelligent Marine Mammals

1 Orca The Orca, or Killer Whale (Orcinus orca), is a toothed whale belonging to the oceanic dolphin family, of which it is the largest member. It is recognizable by its black-and-white patterned body. Orcas are a cosmopolitan species and can be found in all of the world's oceans, in a variety of marine environments, from Arctic and Antarctic regions to tropical seas... read more

2 Pilot Whale

3 Beluga Whale The beluga whale or white whale is an Arctic and sub-Arctic cetacean. It is one of two members of the family Monodontidae, along with the narwhal, and the only member of the genus Delphinapterus.

4 Bottlenose Dolphin

5 False Killer Whale

6 Melon Headed Whale

7 Pygmy Killer Whale

8 Risso’s Dolphin

9 Pacific White-Sided Dolphin

10 Narwhal The narwhal is a unique and elusive cetacean found in Arctic waters. It is instantly recognizable by the long, spiral tusk that extends from the upper jaw of males, which can grow to lengths of over 8 feet. This tusk is actually an elongated tooth and is used for various purposes, including communication, sensing changes in the environment, and possibly even for hunting. Narwhals have a mottled grayish-brown skin and are well adapted to life in icy waters. They often travel in groups and feed primarily on fish and squid. Their elusive behavior and remote habitat make them a subject of fascination and scientific study.

The Contenders

11 Walrus The walrus is a large flippered marine mammal with a discontinuous distribution about the North Pole in the Arctic Ocean and subarctic seas of the Northern Hemisphere.