There’s research that suggests the narwhal tusk is used primarily for hunting, but contrary to what you might be imagining, they don’t actually spear their food. In fact, there’s video evidence indicating that they instead give a quick and firm “tusk tap” to momentarily stun their prey (usually fish, shrimp or squid) and then quickly suck them up.
TIL that narwhal tusks are for smacking and not stabbing
The tusk/tooth is made of two different materials one inside and one outside. They spiral in different directions and that apparently keeps it straight
12 Comments
expatriado@lemmy.world · 21 pts · 3d
so, it wasn't the midnight bacon then
if it is a long canine, wonder about the transition period, for a while they had a useless tiny teeth coming out of the front of their face
otter@lemmy.ca · 14 pts · 3d
I was curious about what the tusk is even used for
https://oceanconservancy.org/blog/2019/03/08/exactly-narwhal-tusk/
TIL that narwhal tusks are for smacking and not stabbing
The video link, although I haven't watched it myself and didn't find the timestamp: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=OoTjLIN67Bw
qualia@lemmy.world · 15 pts · 3d
Similar with swordfish. If they speared food they'd have difficulty removing it without hands.
dohpaz42@lemmy.world · 4 pts · 3d
Those old Looney Tunes cartoons tell a different story.
Just sayin’.qualia@lemmy.world · 3 pts · 2d
rethinks life decisions
altphoto@lemmy.today · 1 pts · 2d
Imagine if they ever figure out they can spear shit with their tusks.
maturelemontree@lemmy.zip · 6 pts · 2d
But how would they get it off? I imagine it'd be like holding a chopstick with your mouth and trying to eat something you spear with the chop.
DataCrime@lemmy.dbzer0.com · 12 pts · 3d
They're just whales with a shitty dental plan.
_lilith@lemmy.world · 12 pts · 3d
The tusk/tooth is made of two different materials one inside and one outside. They spiral in different directions and that apparently keeps it straight
Zachariah@lemmy.world · 8 pts · 3d
Step 1: be a magical unicorn
Step 2:…
NigelFrobisher@aussie.zone · 4 pts · 3d
Is it Jesus Camp?
EntheoNaut@lemmy.ml · 4 pts · 3d
That’s wild. Literally. Would love to know more about narwhals and toothy tusks!!