Title: NARWHAL
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Content: Whale Information Sheets
Anatomy and Behavior
Extreme Whales
Whale Myths
Whale Evolution
Whale Classification
Whale Glossary
Whale Activities
Whale Index
NARWHAL
Monodon monoceros
Narwhal Printout
Narwhal Quiz
Narwhal Connect-the-Dots
The Narwhal (meaning "corpse whale" in Old Norse) is a rarely seen Arctic whale. This social whale is known for the very long tooth that males have. Very little is known about this whale. THE TOOTH
All narwhals have two teeth in their upper jaw. After the first year of a male narwhal's life, its left tooth grows outward, spirally. This long, single tooth projects from its upper jaw and can grow to be 7-10 feet (2-3 m) long. Tusks are usually twisted in a counterclockwise direction and have a hollow interior. The tusk's function is uncertain, perhaps used as a formidable jousting weapon in courtship and dominance rivalry, in obtaining food, and/or for channeling and amplifying sonar pulses (which they emit). The tusk is not used in hunting. Tusking is a behavior in which male narwhals rub their tusks together - perhaps determining dominance in the group.