Current scientific consensus indicates that narwhal tusks are secondary sexual characteristics which indicate social status. Further functions of the narwhal tusk are debated: while some biologists suggest.

What is a narwhal tusk? The narwhal tuskmost commonly found on malesis actually an enlarged tooth with sensory capability and up to 10 million nerve endings inside.

narwhal, (Monodon monoceros), a small toothed whale found along coasts and in rivers throughout the Arctic. Males possess a long straight tusk that projects forward from above the mouth.

Understanding the Context

Narwhal Long, white tusks break the surface of the icy Arctic water. Its not a waterlogged herd of unicornsits a pod of narwhals!

Explore narwhal facts, habitat, diet, tusk function, and behavior in this expert guide to one of the Arctics most unique marine mammals.

Narwhals feed at or near the ocean bottom in deep water, and are known to dive down to depths of 3,937 feet for up to 25 minutes. They create suction using their mouth to capture prey.

Everything you should know about the Narwhal. The Narwhal is a sea creature that, with its spiral horn, inspired the mythical unicorn.

Key Insights

During winter, narwhal are estimated to dive between 5 and 25 times per day and up to depths of 800 meters or more. Scientists believe this behaviour is because narwhals are searching for food as they.

The narwhal is an Arctic toothed whale (odontocete) best known for the males long spiraled tusk, which is an elongated upper left canine tooth. It is one of two living species in the family.

The narwhals scientific name is Monodon monoceros, which means one tooth, one horn in Latin. This refers to the fact that narwhals are born with two canine teeth, one of which (in males) grows into a horn.