10 Incredible Things You Might Not Know About Whales

5. The Narwhal: Unicorns of the Sea

Narwhals are often called the "unicorns of the sea" due to their long, spiral tusks that can reach up to 10 feet in length. These tusks are actually elongated teeth that grow through the upper lip of male narwhals, although some females also possess smaller tusks. The purpose of the narwhal's tusk has long been a subject of fascination and speculation. Recent research suggests that the tusk may play a role in sensory perception, as it is filled with nerve endings that can detect changes in the environment. Narwhals inhabit the Arctic waters of Canada, Greenland, Norway, and Russia, where they are well-adapted to the frigid conditions. Their tusks are not used for defense or hunting, as was once believed, but may be used in social interactions and displays of dominance. Narwhals are elusive creatures, spending much of their time beneath the ice, making them difficult to study. Despite this, they continue to captivate the imagination with their unique appearance and mysterious tusks, embodying the wonder and mystery of the ocean's giants.