Male narwhal tusks can grow up to eight feet long, with some reaching ten feet. The narwhal tusk is hollow and weighs about 22 lbs. A tusk develops in 15% of females. Female tusks are normally shorter and likely to fall off. A 2.3 GB genome sequence has been assembled from multiple Illumina libraries. The genome consists of 37.9% repetitive elements and encodes 21,785 protein-coding genes (similar to many other mammals). The genome will help to place the narwhal both into the evolutionary context of other whales but also will help to understand the evolution and embryonic development of features such as the tusk and its sexual dimorphism. [35] Distribution Narwhals in the Creswell Bay at Somerset Island

The narwhal averages between 13 to 18 feet (4 to 5.5 meters) in length excluding the males spiral tusk, and weighs 1,760 to 3,530 pounds (800 to 1,600 kg ). The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) considers the narwhal a species of least concern, meaning their population is not under significant threat. The IUCN estimates that there are about 123,000 mature individuals divided into 12 subpopulations within the Arctic. NID cookie, set by Google, is used for advertising purposes; to limit the number of times the user sees an ad, to mute unwanted ads, and to measure the effectiveness of ads. Skovrind, M.l; Castruita, J. A. S.; Haile, J.; etal. (2019). "Hybridization between two high Arctic cetaceans confirmed by genomic analysis". Scientific Reports. 9 (1): 7729. Bibcode: 2019NatSR...9.7729S. doi: 10.1038/s41598-019-44038-0. PMC 6586676. PMID 31221994. Narwhals need open water to be able to breathe, but this area has a high concentration of halibut for easy feeding.

Although the narwhal’s horn is the reason for its worldwide fame, there’s a lot we don’t know about it, including its purpose. Some theories say it’s a sensory organ because it has millions of tiny holes and nerve endings on the surface. Others believe the tusk is used for social reasons like impressing females and earning a partner. A recent study found that the largest male narwhals had disproportionately long tusks—possibly signalling a connection between sexual dominance and tusks. Because only a few female narwhals grow tusks, they likely aren’t used for hunting or eating. How many narwhals are left? a b c Evans Ogden, Lesley (6 January 2016). "Elusive narwhal babies spotted gathering at Canadian nursery". New Scientist . Retrieved 6 September 2016.

They can extend up to 10 feet (3 meters) long and weigh as much as 22 pounds (10 kg). 5. Their tusks primarily relate to mating, in a similar way to an antlers of a stag.Laidre, K. L.; Heide-Jørgensen, M. P. (2005). "Arctic sea ice trends and narwhal vulnerability" (PDF). Biological Conservation. 121 (2005): 509–517. doi: 10.1016/j.biocon.2004.06.003. ISSN 0006-3207. Linnaeus, C (1758). Systema naturae per regna tria naturae, secundum classes, ordines, genera, species, cum characteribus, differentiis, synonymis, locis. Tomus I. Editio decima, reformata (in Latin). Holmiae. (Laurentii Salvii). p.824.

Narwhals live in groups of 10 to 20 individuals but in the summer they come together in groups Either tooth has the potential to grow into a tusk, but the tusk is more commonly formed from the left tooth. In rare cases, males can grow two tusks. It’s also possible for females to grow a tusk, though it doesn’t happen very often, and female narwhal tusks tend to be smaller. The tusk itself grows in a spiral and is the only type of tusk known to appear completely straight.

Narwhal Profile

Verne, J. (1870). Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea (PDF). Pierre-Jules Hetzel. p.10. Archived from the original (PDF) on 13 January 2015 . Retrieved 22 March 2014. Also, there aren’t a lot of people around. When disturbed by humans, narwhals dive for cover. Because they’re still being hunted by tribes in the Arctic, they’re in far greater danger than we are during an encounter. 6. Where Do Narwhals Live? During winter months, male narwhals have been observed making some of the deepest dives ever recorded, with regular dives of at least 800 meters, between 10-25 times a day. These dives are virtually vertical, to maximise speed. The pressure at depths of over 800m can exceed 2200 PSI (150 atmospheres). 5 12. They have evolved to withstand incredible water pressure. It has been suggested by a recent study that these tusks aren’t used in combat or to spear prey. A more accurate description would be that the device is utilized to process and send information based on external stimuli.