Narwhals A male narwhal (right) swimming with another, possibly female, narwhal. (more) What Does a Narwhal Use Its Horn For? Ask the Chatbot a Question More Actions Share Share Share to social media Facebook X URL https://www.britannica.com/science/What-Does-a-Narwhal-Use-Its-Horn-For Feedback Corrections? Updates? Omissions? Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). Feedback Type Select a type (Required) Factual Correction Spelling/Grammar Correction Link Correction Additional Information Other Your Feedback Submit Feedback Thank you for your feedback Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article.
External Websites Ask the Chatbot a Question Written by The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree.... The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica Last Updated: Sep 2, 2025 • Article History Table of Contents Table of Contents Ask the Chatbot A variety of theories have been proposed for the specific function of the narwhal’s long, straight tusk, but first we have to point out that it’s not a horn. You can be forgiven for thinking it’s a horn, especially since the narwhal’s tusk is grooved in a left-handed spiral, resembling traditional depictions of the imaginary unicorn’s horn. Indeed, during the Middle Ages narwhals were hunted in the arctic waters of northern Europe, and their tusks were then sold as unicorn horns to wealthy clients who had probably never seen a narwhal. But the unicorn of the sea does not have ...(100 of 488 words)
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