Narwhal Tusk
Prelims:
Science &
Technology
Mains:
GS Paper III:
Science & Technology
Current relevance:
Scientists have identified how the narwhal tusk, described as nature’s only straight tusk, develops its distinctive structure.
Key Points:
Native Range &
Distribution:
1.
It is
an Arctic marine mammal, naturally occurring in the Arctic Ocean.
2.
Important
areas include Baffin Bay, Davis Strait, Northern Hudson Bay, the Canadian
Arctic Archipelago, Greenland and the Greenland Sea.
3.
Narwhals
undertake seasonal migrations, moving between winter pack ice and
coastal/inshore waters during warmer months.
Important Characteristics:
1.
It
is a medium-sized toothed whale and the only species of its genus.
2.
It
has a robust body, small bulbous head, short blunt flippers.
3.
Narwhals
are deep divers and feed mainly on Arctic fish, squid and shrimp.
4.
Unique
Narwhal Tusk:
·
The
narwhal tusk is described as nature’s sole straight tusk.
·
It
possesses a characteristic left-handed twist.
5.
Microscopic
Structure:
·
X-ray
images revealed that the tusk is built from microscopic collagen fibrils.
·
These
fibrils are organised into two distinct layers.
6.
Double-Twist
Arrangement
·
The
tusk has a double-twist structure, with the outer layer twisting to
the left and the inner layer twisting to the right in opposite
directions.
7.
Mechanism
Behind its Strength:
·
The
opposing twists generate internal tension within the tusk.
·
This
internal tension enables the tusk to grow straight and strong.
8.
Conservation
Status:
·
CITES: Appendix II.
·
United
States: Protected
throughout its range under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA).
Source: THE HINDU - https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/science-snapshots-august-23-2026/article71380714.ece