2006-12-13 01:04:39 · 2 answers · asked by lolwat 3 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Zoology
It was recently discovered that the narwhal's tusk is a sensor that can detect changes in water salinity, pressure, and temperature.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/10456798/
http://www.narwhal.org/
2006-12-13 04:36:05 · answer #1 · answered by phoenixmg2000 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Narwhal (Monodon monoceros) is an Arctic species of cetacean. It is a creature rarely found south of latitude 70°N. It is one of two species of whale in the Monodontidae family (the other is the beluga whale). It is possibly also related to the Irrawaddy dolphin.
The purpose of the tusk has been the subject of much debate. Early scientific theories supposed that the tusk was used to pierce the ice covering of the narwhal's Arctic Sea habitat. Others suggested the tusk was used in echolocation. More recently, scientists believed the tusk is primarily used for showmanship and for dominance: males with larger tusks are more likely to successfully attract a mate. This hypothesis was suggested by the activity of "tusking", in which two males rub their tusks together.
FIGHTING WITH TUSKS IS NOT DOCUMENTED.
So i cant provide an answer.
2006-12-13 02:03:41 · answer #2 · answered by Som™ 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋