this post was submitted on 06 Sep 2026
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Biology

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[–] DataCrime@lemmy.dbzer0.com 0 points 2 weeks ago

They're just whales with a shitty dental plan.

[–] Zachariah@lemmy.world 0 points 2 weeks ago* (last edited 2 weeks ago)

Step 1: be a magical unicorn
Step 2:…

[–] EntheoNaut@lemmy.ml 0 points 2 weeks ago

That’s wild. Literally. Would love to know more about narwhals and toothy tusks!!

[–] expatriado@lemmy.world 0 points 2 weeks ago (1 children)

so, it wasn't the midnight bacon then

if it is a long canine, wonder anout the transition period, for a while they had a useless tiny teeth coming out of the front of their face

[–] otter@lemmy.ca 0 points 2 weeks ago (2 children)

I was curious about what the tusk is even used for

https://oceanconservancy.org/blog/2019/03/08/exactly-narwhal-tusk/

There’s research that suggests the narwhal tusk is used primarily for hunting, but contrary to what you might be imagining, they don’t actually spear their food. In fact, there’s video evidence indicating that they instead give a quick and firm “tusk tap” to momentarily stun their prey (usually fish, shrimp or squid) and then quickly suck them up.

TIL that narwhal tusks are for smacking and not stabbing

The video link, although I haven't watched it myself and didn't find the timestamp: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=OoTjLIN67Bw

[–] qualia@lemmy.world 0 points 2 weeks ago (1 children)

Similar with swordfish. If they speared food they'd have difficulty removing it without hands.

[–] dohpaz42@lemmy.world 0 points 2 weeks ago (1 children)

Those old Looney Tunes cartoons tell a different story.

~Just sayin’.~

[–] qualia@lemmy.world 0 points 2 weeks ago

rethinks life decisions

[–] altphoto@lemmy.today 0 points 2 weeks ago (1 children)

Imagine if they ever figure out they can spear shit with their tusks.

[–] maturelemontree@lemmy.zip 0 points 2 weeks ago

But how would they get it off? I imagine it'd be like holding a chopstick with your mouth and trying to eat something you spear with the chop.

[–] NigelFrobisher@aussie.zone 0 points 2 weeks ago

Is it Jesus Camp?

[–] _lilith@lemmy.world 0 points 2 weeks ago

The tusk/tooth is made of two different materials one inside and one outside. They spiral in different directions and that apparently keeps it straight