Which of these animals would “win” if they go head to head and which one has the
Which of these animals would “win” if they go head to head and which one has the

best changes to survive in general. These rounds will let you find out!
best changes to survive in general. These rounds will let you find out!

Round 1: Habitat  
Round 1: Habitat  

Where do they live? Killer whales can be found in all oceans and
Where do they live? Killer whales can be found in all oceans and

most seas of the world. They prefer high latitudes and coastal areas over pelagic environments.
most seas of the world. They prefer high latitudes and coastal areas over pelagic environments.

They tend to concentrate in areas such as the coasts of Iceland, Norway, the Valdes
They tend to concentrate in areas such as the coasts of Iceland, Norway, the Valdes

Peninsula of Argentina, the Crozet Islands, New Zealand, and parts of the west coast of
Peninsula of Argentina, the Crozet Islands, New Zealand, and parts of the west coast of

North America, from California to Alaska.   
North America, from California to Alaska.   

As for the polar bear, its range lies largely within the Arctic Circle, encompassing the Arctic
As for the polar bear, its range lies largely within the Arctic Circle, encompassing the Arctic

Ocean, its surrounding seas, and surrounding landmasses. Even though it is formally categorized
Ocean, its surrounding seas, and surrounding landmasses. Even though it is formally categorized

as a marine mammal, it is the only living member of this group that with powerful, large
as a marine mammal, it is the only living member of this group that with powerful, large

limbs and feet that allow them to cover miles on foot and run on land. In addition to the
limbs and feet that allow them to cover miles on foot and run on land. In addition to the

arctic circle, they can sometimes be found in countries such as Newfoundland, Greenland,
arctic circle, they can sometimes be found in countries such as Newfoundland, Greenland,

Russia, Alaska, and Denmark.   
Russia, Alaska, and Denmark.   

What are their relative populations? There are 19 discrete subpopulations of
What are their relative populations? There are 19 discrete subpopulations of

polar bears on Earth. As of 2017, one of these subpopulations is in decline, two are increasing,
polar bears on Earth. As of 2017, one of these subpopulations is in decline, two are increasing,

seven are stable, and nine have insufficient data. Putting a number to these estimates,
seven are stable, and nine have insufficient data. Putting a number to these estimates,

between 22,000 and 31,000 polar bears exist on Earth today. 
between 22,000 and 31,000 polar bears exist on Earth today. 

Moving on to killer whales, estimates are uncertain. But even so, recent consensus suggests
Moving on to killer whales, estimates are uncertain. But even so, recent consensus suggests

a minimum of 50,000. This is broken down by region as 25,000 in the Antarctic, 8,500
a minimum of 50,000. This is broken down by region as 25,000 in the Antarctic, 8,500

in the tropical Pacific, 2,250–2,700 off the cooler northeast Pacific, 500–1,500
in the tropical Pacific, 2,250–2,700 off the cooler northeast Pacific, 500–1,500

off Norway, and 2321 in Japan. 
off Norway, and 2321 in Japan. 

Are these creatures endangered or not? Killer whales don't have any formal conservation
Are these creatures endangered or not? Killer whales don't have any formal conservation

status. This is because conservation groups worldwide have come to the conclusion that
status. This is because conservation groups worldwide have come to the conclusion that

there simply isn't enough data to classify them. But it's safe to say that considering
there simply isn't enough data to classify them. But it's safe to say that considering

prey depletion, pollution, fishing, and the hunting of these creatures; they're not in
prey depletion, pollution, fishing, and the hunting of these creatures; they're not in

the greatest of spots. 
the greatest of spots. 

On the other hand, polar bears are definitely listed as vulnerable. This indicates an expected
On the other hand, polar bears are definitely listed as vulnerable. This indicates an expected

population decrease of about 30 percent over the next 35 years due to pollution, climate
population decrease of about 30 percent over the next 35 years due to pollution, climate

change, and other activities of man. 
change, and other activities of man. 

How many of them are killed in a year?    About one thousand polar bears are hunted
How many of them are killed in a year?    About one thousand polar bears are hunted

and killed worldwide every year. They are mostly hunted for sport, although sometimes
and killed worldwide every year. They are mostly hunted for sport, although sometimes

polar bear hunting is done for safety. 
polar bear hunting is done for safety. 

The exact numbers for killer whales aren't known. However, it is known that about 300,000
The exact numbers for killer whales aren't known. However, it is known that about 300,000

dolphins and whales are killed by humans every year as a result of fisheries bycatch, pollution,
dolphins and whales are killed by humans every year as a result of fisheries bycatch, pollution,

and habitat loss.   
and habitat loss.   

Who wins the round? Polar bear populations are underway more threat
Who wins the round? Polar bear populations are underway more threat

than killer whale populations. As such, killer whales win the round. 
than killer whale populations. As such, killer whales win the round. 

Round 2: Diet  
Round 2: Diet  

What do these creatures eat?  Killer whales are apex predators and have
What do these creatures eat?  Killer whales are apex predators and have

no natural enemies. They hunt in groups like wolf packs. They eat a wide variety of prey,
no natural enemies. They hunt in groups like wolf packs. They eat a wide variety of prey,

including fish, cephalopods, mammals, seabirds, and sea turtles. There are about 30 different
including fish, cephalopods, mammals, seabirds, and sea turtles. There are about 30 different

species of fish they prey on. 
species of fish they prey on. 

Like killer whales, polar bears are apex predators as well. They are hypercarnivores and eat
Like killer whales, polar bears are apex predators as well. They are hypercarnivores and eat

mostly ringed and bearded seals. Polar bears hunt primarily at the interface between ice,
mostly ringed and bearded seals. Polar bears hunt primarily at the interface between ice,

water, and air. They can also eat arctic foxes and fish too. 
water, and air. They can also eat arctic foxes and fish too. 

How much do these creatures need to eat?  Polar bears can eat between 10 to 20 percent
How much do these creatures need to eat?  Polar bears can eat between 10 to 20 percent

of their body weight at a time. These creatures tend to average weights of 770 pounds to
of their body weight at a time. These creatures tend to average weights of 770 pounds to

1500 pounds. That's one and a half times as heavy as a grand piano. They need at least
1500 pounds. That's one and a half times as heavy as a grand piano. They need at least

4.4 pounds of fat to survive every day. A ringed seal weighing 121 pounds could provide
4.4 pounds of fat to survive every day. A ringed seal weighing 121 pounds could provide

up to eight days of energy for a polar bear.
up to eight days of energy for a polar bear.

Killer whales can weigh as much as 13,000 pounds. That's at least half the length of
Killer whales can weigh as much as 13,000 pounds. That's at least half the length of

a bus and at least a quarter its weight. They need between 150 to 300 pounds of food per
a bus and at least a quarter its weight. They need between 150 to 300 pounds of food per

day as they expand a lot of energy while they swim. 
day as they expand a lot of energy while they swim. 

Is it easy for them to find food? It is easier for killer whales to find food
Is it easy for them to find food? It is easier for killer whales to find food

than it is for polar bears. This is because killer whales tend to hunt in packs and have
than it is for polar bears. This is because killer whales tend to hunt in packs and have

an easier time subduing prey. They also feast on a wide variety of organisms. 
an easier time subduing prey. They also feast on a wide variety of organisms. 

As for polar bears, they are potent hunters, but they sometimes have a very hard time trying
As for polar bears, they are potent hunters, but they sometimes have a very hard time trying

to find food. Sometimes, they have such a hard time with it that they cannibalize some
to find food. Sometimes, they have such a hard time with it that they cannibalize some

of their young. 
of their young. 

Who wins the round? Killer whales have a much easier time finding
Who wins the round? Killer whales have a much easier time finding

food than polar bears do. As such, they win the round. 
food than polar bears do. As such, they win the round. 

  Round 3: Lifespan
  Round 3: Lifespan

How old can they get?  Killer whales have an average lifespan of 50
How old can they get?  Killer whales have an average lifespan of 50

to 80 years. Some have been known to live up to 105 years. Their life expectancy in
to 80 years. Some have been known to live up to 105 years. Their life expectancy in

captivity is typically more than their life expectancy in the wild. Female killer whales
captivity is typically more than their life expectancy in the wild. Female killer whales

heat sexual maturity at the age of 20. They are one of the few non-human animals who are
heat sexual maturity at the age of 20. They are one of the few non-human animals who are

known to undergo menopause and live for decades after they are done breeding.
known to undergo menopause and live for decades after they are done breeding.

Polar bears rarely live beyond 25 years. The oldest wild and captive polar bears on
Polar bears rarely live beyond 25 years. The oldest wild and captive polar bears on

record died at 32 years and 43 years, respectively. They typically die when they become too old
record died at 32 years and 43 years, respectively. They typically die when they become too old

and sluggish to hunt. Since they are mammals, they take care of their young. Pregnant females
and sluggish to hunt. Since they are mammals, they take care of their young. Pregnant females

eat large amounts of food, gaining at least 440 pounds and often more than doubling their
eat large amounts of food, gaining at least 440 pounds and often more than doubling their

body weight. 
body weight. 

Who wins the round? Since killer whales live way longer than
Who wins the round? Since killer whales live way longer than

polar bears do, they win this round as well.   
polar bears do, they win this round as well.   

Round 4: Bigger Threat to Humans
Round 4: Bigger Threat to Humans

How do these creatures attack?  Starting with polar bears, these creatures
How do these creatures attack?  Starting with polar bears, these creatures

are extremely great predators. They make use of their sharp teeth and sharp claws to get
are extremely great predators. They make use of their sharp teeth and sharp claws to get

the job done. They have powerful jaws which can generate a bite force of 1200 PSI. Their
the job done. They have powerful jaws which can generate a bite force of 1200 PSI. Their

bites are well adapted for dealing with prey with thick hides or heavy feathers. They are
bites are well adapted for dealing with prey with thick hides or heavy feathers. They are

said to be the only mammal that actively hunts humans. They have a total of 42 teeth. 
said to be the only mammal that actively hunts humans. They have a total of 42 teeth. 

Killer whales are excellent hunters as well. They make use of adaptations such as echolocation
Killer whales are excellent hunters as well. They make use of adaptations such as echolocation

to locate prey accurately. Although they have a mouth full of teeth, this is not for chewing.
to locate prey accurately. Although they have a mouth full of teeth, this is not for chewing.

Instead, they use their conical mouth like an appendage and use it to grab food. 
Instead, they use their conical mouth like an appendage and use it to grab food. 

How many humans do they kill in a year? Polar bear attacks on humans are inconsistent.
How many humans do they kill in a year? Polar bear attacks on humans are inconsistent.

Nevertheless, they tend to average at least one human death per year. 
Nevertheless, they tend to average at least one human death per year. 

With killer whales, there have been no verified attacks on these creatures on humans. But
With killer whales, there have been no verified attacks on these creatures on humans. But

that doesn't mean these deaths haven't happened off the record. However, some attacks have
that doesn't mean these deaths haven't happened off the record. However, some attacks have

been recorded, although these attacks didn't result in fatalities. 
been recorded, although these attacks didn't result in fatalities. 

Recorded Incidents? In August 2005,  Ellis Miller was splashing
Recorded Incidents? In August 2005,  Ellis Miller was splashing

about in Helm Bay. Then, he suddenly found himself in an emergency situation as a killer
about in Helm Bay. Then, he suddenly found himself in an emergency situation as a killer

whale about 25 feet in length was rushing at him. The killer whale had mistakenly misidentified
whale about 25 feet in length was rushing at him. The killer whale had mistakenly misidentified

him as prey. The whale bumped into him but did not bite him. Disappointed he was not
him as prey. The whale bumped into him but did not bite him. Disappointed he was not

food, it swam away. 
food, it swam away. 

In 2011, a group of British students was on a month-long arctic adventure in Norway. They
In 2011, a group of British students was on a month-long arctic adventure in Norway. They

were hoping to catch glimpses of the magnificent polar bear. One of the eighty students was
were hoping to catch glimpses of the magnificent polar bear. One of the eighty students was

named Horatio Chapple. While they slept, a bear broke into their camp, entered his tent,
named Horatio Chapple. While they slept, a bear broke into their camp, entered his tent,

and killed Chapple, in addition to injuring four of his colleagues. 
and killed Chapple, in addition to injuring four of his colleagues. 

Who wins the round? Polar bears win this round as they are the
Who wins the round? Polar bears win this round as they are the

far more ferocious hunters with much more human encounters. They can also choose between
far more ferocious hunters with much more human encounters. They can also choose between

prey on land, in the air, and in the sea. 
prey on land, in the air, and in the sea. 

  Round 5: What are these creatures hunted by?
  Round 5: What are these creatures hunted by?

Animal threats? Both of these creatures are apex predators.
Animal threats? Both of these creatures are apex predators.

As you may recall, this means no animals are above them in the food chain, and they have
As you may recall, this means no animals are above them in the food chain, and they have

no natural threats. But it must be said they sometimes get into spats with other creatures.
no natural threats. But it must be said they sometimes get into spats with other creatures.

Most noticeably man, in the case of polar bears and great white sharks in the case
Most noticeably man, in the case of polar bears and great white sharks in the case

of killer whales. 
of killer whales. 

Who wins the round? In spite of the fact that both creatures are
Who wins the round? In spite of the fact that both creatures are

apex predators, Polar bears have less to worry about than Killer Whales do. Polar bears need
apex predators, Polar bears have less to worry about than Killer Whales do. Polar bears need

only worry about man. Killer Whales have the Great White Shark to think about as well.
only worry about man. Killer Whales have the Great White Shark to think about as well.

As such, Polar bears win the round.  
As such, Polar bears win the round.  

Round 6: Speed
Round 6: Speed

How fast are they? Killer whales can swim as fast as 35 miles
How fast are they? Killer whales can swim as fast as 35 miles

per hour. This allows them to close distances with their prey pretty easily. They can also
per hour. This allows them to close distances with their prey pretty easily. They can also

dive as deep as 500 feet beneath the water's surface in search of prey. 
dive as deep as 500 feet beneath the water's surface in search of prey. 

Polar bears are slower, seeing as they can only swim at average speeds of 6 miles per
Polar bears are slower, seeing as they can only swim at average speeds of 6 miles per

hour. They also run at speeds of 25 miles per hour. In both instances, they can outpace
hour. They also run at speeds of 25 miles per hour. In both instances, they can outpace

humans. They can dive up to 15 feet beneath the surface of the water.
humans. They can dive up to 15 feet beneath the surface of the water.

Who wins this round? Killer whales are faster in water than polar
Who wins this round? Killer whales are faster in water than polar

bears are. As such, they win the round.   
bears are. As such, they win the round.   

Round 7: Special skills and Adaptations  Both of these creatures have many special
Round 7: Special skills and Adaptations  Both of these creatures have many special

skills and adaptations. With killer whales, they are highly intelligent and capable
skills and adaptations. With killer whales, they are highly intelligent and capable

of nuanced communication. They also have advanced social dynamics. In addition to this, they
of nuanced communication. They also have advanced social dynamics. In addition to this, they

use the sounds generated by echolocation to hunt. And sometimes, they even use their blowholes
use the sounds generated by echolocation to hunt. And sometimes, they even use their blowholes

to shepherd prey towards the surface and corner them. They also have superior healing attributes,
to shepherd prey towards the surface and corner them. They also have superior healing attributes,

which far outperform anything else in the animal kingdom. 
which far outperform anything else in the animal kingdom. 

With polar bears, they are marine mammals. Meaning they can survive both in water and
With polar bears, they are marine mammals. Meaning they can survive both in water and

in air. They can hold their breath for up to two minutes while hunting for prey. They
in air. They can hold their breath for up to two minutes while hunting for prey. They

also have enhanced smelling and hearing to help them detect prey. 
also have enhanced smelling and hearing to help them detect prey. 

Who wins the round? Since killer whales have more adaptations
Who wins the round? Since killer whales have more adaptations

than polar bears do, they win the round. 
than polar bears do, they win the round. 

Verdict Killer whales won five out of the seven rounds.
Verdict Killer whales won five out of the seven rounds.

These contests had to do with habitats, dieting, lifespan, speed, and special adaptations.
These contests had to do with habitats, dieting, lifespan, speed, and special adaptations.

Polar bears won only two of the contests, which had to do with threat to humans and
Polar bears won only two of the contests, which had to do with threat to humans and

animal threats. As such, Killer Whales win the contest. 
animal threats. As such, Killer Whales win the contest. 

Which of these two animals would you like to see in the wild?
Which of these two animals would you like to see in the wild?