Narwhals

4 Mar 2025

Narwhals

Scientists have, for the first time, observed narwhals using their iconic tusks to hunt fish,  forage, and play. 

  • The study also examines how they are adapting to climate change in the Arctic.

Key Findings 

  • Narwhals use their tusks to hunt Arctic char (Salvelinus alpinus) by stunning or possibly killing the fish.
    • They demonstrate dexterity, precision, and speed in tracking prey
  • Previously, scientists believed the narwhal’s tusk was used mainly for mating displays and dominance competitions.
  • 17 distinct behaviors were documented, including social learning, play, and kleptoparasitism (food stealing) from glaucous gulls

About Narwhals 

Narwhals 

  • They are often called “sea unicorns,” and are medium-sized toothed whales. 
  • They inhabit the remote Arctic waters, primarily around Canada, Greenland, Norway, and Russia. 
  • Their most distinctive feature is the long, spiral tusk found in males, which is actually an elongated tooth.
  • Scientific Name: Monodon monoceros 
  • Protection Status: Least Concern (IUCN). 
  • Lifespan: Females(~100 years), Males(~84 years).
  • Reproduction: Gestation Period (~13 to 16 months).

Narwhal Behavior & Tusk Usage

  • “Tusking” behavior: Males raise tusks out of the water, possibly for ritual assessment of rivals or mate display
  • Foraging and Hunting: Used to manipulate, stun, and interrogate fish
  • Play & Social Learning: Evidence of exploratory-object play and personality differences among individuals

Archive Calendar

Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
 123
45678910
11121314151617
18192021222324
25262728293031

Need help preparing for UPSC or State PSCs?

Connect with our experts to get free counselling & start preparing

Know about Physics Wallah

Physics Wallah is an Indian online education platform, that provides accessible & comprehensive learning experiences to students of classes 6 to 12 and those preparing for JEE and NEET exams. We also provide extensive NCERT solutions, sample papers, NEET, JEE Mains, BITSAT previous year papers, which makes us a one-stop solution for all resources. Physics Wallah also caters to over 3.5 million registered students and over 78 lakh+ Youtube subscribers with 4.8 rating on its app.

We Stand Out because

We successfully provide students with intensive courses by India's qualified & experienced faculties. PW strives to make the learning experience comprehensive and accessible for students of all sections of society. We believe in empowering every single student who couldn't dream of a good career in engineering and medical field earlier.

Our Key Focus Areas

Physics Wallah’s main focus is to create accessible learning experiences for students all over India. With courses like Lakshya, Udaan, Arjuna & many others, we have been able to provide a ready solution for lakhs of aspirants. From providing Chemistry, Maths, Physics formulae to giving e-books of eminent authors, PW aims to provide reliable solutions for student prep.

What Makes Us Different

Physics Wallah strives to develop a comprehensive pedagogical structure for students, where they get a state-of-the-art learning experience with study material and resources. Apart from catering students preparing for JEE Mains and NEET, PW also provides study material for each state board like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and others.

Aiming for UPSC?

Download Our App

      
Quick Revise Now !
AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD SOON
UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध
Quick Revise Now !
UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध

<div class="new-fform">






    </div>

    Subscribe our Newsletter
    Sign up now for our exclusive newsletter and be the first to know about our latest Initiatives, Quality Content, and much more.
    *Promise! We won't spam you.
    Yes! I want to Subscribe.