Mar
24

How is the narwhal’s tusk like a human tooth?

Narwhals "tusking." Photo by Glenn Williams via Wikipedia Commons.

Narwhals “tusking.” Photo by Glenn Williams via Wikipedia Commons.

The narwhal tusk is the opposite of a human tooth, rigid in the center and surrounded by a flexible outer layer containing porous tubules. Scientists have long realized the signals a narwhal receives from the nerves in its spiral tusk—which is actually a wildly elongated tooth—provide critical information about its icy ocean environment.

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Posted: 24 March 2014
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About the Author:

Alex di Giovanni is primarily responsible for "other duties as assigned" in the Office of Communications and External Affairs. She has been with the Smithsonian since 2006 and plans to be interred in the Smithson crypt.