Array
Although the great white shark has a fearsome reputation, in a straight fight it is outclassed by the orca. Not only are orcas much bigger, they are also smarter. Great whites are now known to be warm blooded but orcas still have much higher metabolic rates because they breathe air. In the wild, orcas have been seen preying on great white sharks.
* Exposed teeth at one time. Great whites have further rows of developing teeth behind the visible ones.
Read more:
- Head to head: Grizzly bear vs African lion
- Head to head: Mo Farah vs Usain Bolt
- Head to head: Cow's milk vs almond milk
Subscribe to BBC Focus magazine for fascinating new Q&As every month and follow @sciencefocusQA on Twitter for your daily dose of fun science facts.
