News: Scientists discovered the mechanism behind the double twist of the narwhal tusk using X-ray imaging.

About Narwhal:

• Scientific name → Monodon monoceros.
• Medium-sized toothed whale of family Monodontidae.
• Only other living member of family → Beluga whale.
• Mainly found in the Arctic Ocean, especially Canada, Greenland and eastern Russia.

Unique Tusk:

• Long spiral tusk → actually a tooth.
• Mainly found in males; occasionally in females.
• Can reach ~3 m and weigh 10+ kg.
• Possible roles → hunting and sensing environmental conditions.
• Two collagen layers → outer twists left + inner twists right → create internal tension → keep tusk straight and strong.

Key Features:

• Torpedo-shaped body + low dorsal ridge.
• Short, paddle-shaped flippers.
• Feeds on fish, squid and shrimp.
• Excellent deep diver → can hold breath for ~25–30 minutes.

Conservation:

• IUCN Status → Least Concern (LC).
• Arctic habitat makes it vulnerable to environmental and climate changes.