The narwhal’s spiraling tusk, once thought to be a unicorn’s horn, has been found to serve multiple purposes beyond just aesthetics. Researchers have long studied the elusive marine mammal’s unique tooth, but recent drone footage provides new insights into its functions.
Using their tusks, narwhals manipulate objects, forage for food, explore their Arctic habitat, and even play. According to Cortney Watt, a University of Manitoba ecologist who has spent over a decade studying narwhals, observing them use their tusks for these activities is “remarkable.”
The tusk itself is remarkable too. Growing up to 3 meters long, it’s the only tooth possessed by these toothed whales. Analysis of its growth layers reveals an individual’s life history, while females prefer males with longer tusks, suggesting a link to sexual selection.
New footage confirms that narwhal tusks are not just decorative – they’re also sensitive and crammed with nerves. This complex role is supported by the discovery of “tusking” behavior, where two or more narwhals raise their tusks almost vertically out of the water in what may be a ritualistic behavior.
Researchers have found that narwhal tusks can even manipulate fish movements with remarkable precision, tracking prey’s movements while stunning or possibly killing them. In another sequence, a younger narwhal attempts to copy an older individual’s technique, suggesting a form of social learning and play.
The Arctic sea ice, which narwhals rely on for protection from predators, is rapidly melting due to human-caused global warming. This research provides crucial data on how narwhals are responding to environmental changes, highlighting the impact of climate change on these vulnerable marine mammals.
Source: https://www.sciencealert.com/remarkable-drone-footage-reveals-how-narwhals-use-their-tusks