Researchers used X-ray imaging to discover that narwhal tusks contain a second internal spiral oriented in the opposite direction to the external one, published in Nature Communications. The tusk is actually an elongated left canine tooth found primarily in males and continues to fascinate scientists studying its structure and possible functions like hunting or social signaling.
Background
The narwhal is an Arctic whale known for its long spiral tusk, historically linked to unicorn myths. Scientists have long debated whether the tusk serves primarily for hunting, mating displays, or environmental sensing.
- Source
- Ars Technica
- Published
- Aug 18, 2026 at 11:00 PM
- Score
- 6.0 / 10