Most sensitive tooth

Most sensitive tooth

Last updated: May 2, 2019 at 3:23 am

The narwhal’s (Monodon monoceros) single spiral tusk is really an overgrown tooth. It has recently been discovered that there are up to 10 million nerves extending from the surface of the tusk to its central core and ultimately to the Narwhal’s brain. This enables it to detect minute changes in its environment such as pressure, temperature, salinity, and particle layering. Quick taps of the narwhal’s tusk also stun Arctic cod, to render them immobile for capture.

Fisheries and Oceans Canada

A pod of narwhals. Note the spiral configuration of the single tusk. Photo by Dr. Kristin Laidre, Polar Science Center | NOAA (Public Domain)

Narwhal pod off Greenland. Photo by Dr. Kristin Laidre, Polar Science Center | NOAA (Public Domain)

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