The tusk of the narwhal ( Monodon monoceros L.): interpretation of its function (Mammalia: Cetacea)
For over a century, scientists have speculated on the biological function of the tusk of the male narwhal. Proposed functions have included use of the tusk as a weapon, use for opening breathing holes in sea ice, use in feeding, use as an acoustic organ, and function as a secondary sex character. Th...
Published in: | Canadian Journal of Zoology |
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Main Author: | |
Format: | Article in Journal/Newspaper |
Language: | English |
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Canadian Science Publishing
1981
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Online Access: | http://dx.doi.org/10.1139/z81-319 http://www.nrcresearchpress.com/doi/pdf/10.1139/z81-319 |
Summary: | For over a century, scientists have speculated on the biological function of the tusk of the male narwhal. Proposed functions have included use of the tusk as a weapon, use for opening breathing holes in sea ice, use in feeding, use as an acoustic organ, and function as a secondary sex character. The weight of evidence in this literature review supports a theory that the narwhal tusk serves as a secondary sex character of males, for nonviolent assessment of hierarchical status on the basis of relative tusk size. Relative tusk size is evidently determined in frontal encounters by rival males. |
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