Disingenuous conclusion...
In this article, we will dive into the icy waters of the North Pole and see what scientists have discovered so far about the narwhal's tusk.
whalescientists.com
Current data indicates its used primarily for sexual selection which is supported by the predominance of the tusks occuring in males. It is likely a visual indicator of the individuals overall health.
The tusk may serve a secondary function in sensing ice formation.
Yeah, think huge solitary cat whisker. Too sensitive for fighting, can break too. I'm still amazed nalwhals can move and flex them. I've held them before (my dad bought three at auction) and they are impressively dense and heavy. I guess it happens at the root? Yuck.
I've always felt really sorry for those guys. Mother Nature dealt them a weird card for fight or flight. Most animals, when they get spooked, get adrenaline, a boost in heart rate and respiration. Narwhals do the opposite. How much would that suck. Orca show up and instead of hauling ass or looking aggressive poor narwhals just kinda struggle not to faint. Then again, if blackfish wanted to do to me what they do to Dall's porpoises, I might faint too. That underwater audio is not for the faint of heart. Like a
fat flood/drought resistant kid with a deviated septum eating Doritos, just, ugh.