Narwhals usually have one horn apiece, but this fellow has bagged a double. (AFP photo)
People have generally assumed that narwhal horns were used for defense, but according to an article in Le Figaro, scientists still aren't in agreement:
A research group including specialists in cetaceans as well as dentists are exploring other assumptions. One of their favorites would be a sensory probe. In the support of this theory is the presence of 10 million nerve endings in the pulp of the gigantic tooth. The narwhal could thus detect the salinity of water, its temperature or its pressure, and also the presence of its favorite prey animals. [my translation]
See also Neatorama’s 2005 post on the Super Sensing Tusk of the Unicorn Whale.
The phrase "10 million nerve endings in the pulp of the gigantic tooth" made all my fillings cry out at once! Yowch, that's some sensitive tooth...
Posted by: Melissa | May 17, 2007 at 02:55 PM
The first thing I thought of when I read that was "root canal"!
Posted by: gail | May 17, 2007 at 03:41 PM
However selfless the dentists on the research team are, they have to occasionally think in terms of billable hours per procedure.
Posted by: gail | May 17, 2007 at 03:42 PM
Step right in Mr. Narwhal. And what kind of insurance coverage do YOU have?
Posted by: gail | May 17, 2007 at 03:44 PM
And would you look at the lengthof those things! What a catch!
Posted by: joated | May 17, 2007 at 07:39 PM
So then, did it start to split (twin) and just stop after the tooth?
Posted by: Ana | May 17, 2007 at 08:30 PM
That would be my guess.
Posted by: gail | May 17, 2007 at 09:33 PM
i've heard that it is so rare for this to happen, the hunter who bags them recieves near mythological status in his community. legendary fellow to be sure.
Posted by: | October 28, 2007 at 05:52 AM