Title: Narwhal
Headings: Narwhal
Narwhal
Physical Description
Surface Characteristics
Color
Fins and Fluke
Length and Weight
Feeding
Mating and Breeding
Range Map
Natural History
Status
Bibliography
Acknowledgements

Content: Calves are often born in deep bays and inlets. The function of the narwhal tusk as been a matter of some debate, but recent research has shown it to be related to mating activity. Many males have been found with broken tusks, and one male has been found with a tusk tip embedded in its skull. Narwhals have been seen with their tusks crossed, as if in a fencing match. Recent observations seem to support the theory that the tusk is used as a weapon by the males in battles over possession of females. This evidence, combined with data indicating a rapid growth of the tusk at sexual maturity in males, suggests a possible breeding function. Natural History
The narwhal is a deep-water cetacean, and has been known to dive to 1,200 feet. It has up to 4" of blubber under its skin, which is needed for protection in the cold arctic waters. Becoming trapped in forming ice is not uncommon; in Greenland such an entrapment is called a "savssat".