The Narwhal Tusk (IMAGE)

Arizona State University

The Narwhal Tusk

Caption

Like walruses and elephants, male narwhals (Monodon monoceros) grow tusks; these are modified teeth. In narwhals, the left tooth erupts from their head, reaching more than 8-feet-long in some individuals. The tusk grows out in a spiral pattern, giving the appearance of a sea-dwelling unicorn.

Credit

Carsten Egevang, Greenland Institute of Natural Resources

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