Two-tusked narwhal specimen on display on the mezzanine of the Mammals Gallery. Our marine mammal expert Richard Sabin takes us through what scientists know – and don’t know – about narwhals, also known as unicorns of the sea. Ask a world-leading scientist a silly question, get a fascinating answer. Type of animal: Family: Diet: Habitat:

The narwhal tusk is actually one of two teeth. In males, the tusk protrudes from the upper, left lip. While most male narwhals have one tusk, in a few rare cases they can have two, like in the narwhal pictured below.

The narwhal, a medium-sized toothed whale, is known for its long, spiraled tusk that juts from its head. However, in rare cases, some narwhals can grow two tusks instead of just one. This phenomenon is known as a two-tusk narwhal, and it occurs in about one in 500 males.

Mar 18, 2020 · Now a new study suggests the true evolutionary purpose of these horns – which can be 8-feet-long – has to do with sex: The tusks, the research found, are used by male narwhals to compete for and...

Mar 8, 2025 · A two-horned narwhal is exceptionally rare. While all narwhals possess two canine teeth, typically only one develops into the iconic tusk, and this is usually the upper left tooth. For males, the development of a single tusk is common. However, approximately only 1 in 500 male narwhals will grow a second tusk.

The narwhal (Monodon monoceros) is a species of toothed whale native to the Arctic. It is the only member of the genus Monodon and one of two living representatives of the family Monodontidae. The narwhal is a stocky cetacean with a relatively blunt snout, a large melon, and a shallow ridge in place of a dorsal fin.

May 5, 2021 · Get all your answers about the monodon monoceros with these amazing 27 narwhal facts. 1. Are Narwhals Real? 2. Do Narwhals Still Exist? 3. Are Narwhals Close to Extinction? 4. What is a Narwhal's Horn Made of? Ivory? 5. What is the Purpose of a Narwhal Tusk? 6. Do Narwhal Horns Grow Back? 7. Do Female Narwhals Have Tusks? 8.

Nov 23, 2024 · Although usually only one horn develops and only in males, a singular find can be seen at the National History Museum in London: a specimen that presents two “horns” dating back to a voyage in arctic waters dated 1949.

Mar 8, 2019 · Narwhals are, arguably, one of the most enigmatic species of the Arctic Ocean—and rightfully so—they’re pretty incredible. Although few people have ever seen a …

3 days ago · The Enigmatic Two-Tusked Narwhal: A Rare Glimpse into the Arctic’s Mysteries The Narwhal Tusk: More Than Just a Horn Tusk Development in Narwhals The Rarity of the Double Tusk Factors Influencing Tusk Development Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 1. How many nerve endings are in a narwhal’s tusk? 2. Do all narwhals have tusks? 3. Is it legal to own a narwhal tusk? 4. How long do narwhals ...