Facts about Narwhal Tusk Mystery
- 05
Narwhal tusks can detect subtle changes in water temperature, salinity, and pressure, giving narwhals a sophisticated environmental sensing capability.
- 04
Male narwhals are sometimes observed crossing their tusks above water in a behavior called 'tusking,' which may serve social or communicative functions.
- 03
Only male narwhals typically grow the elongated tusk, though females occasionally develop one, making its primary purpose likely related to sexual selection.
- 02
Research led by scientist Martin Nweeia revealed that the narwhal tusk contains millions of nerve tubules connecting to the surface, functioning as a sensory organ.
- 01
The narwhal tusk is actually a hypertrophied left canine tooth that grows through the upper lip and can reach lengths of up to 3 meters.