Narwhals: Arctic Whales With Super-Sensing Tusks

Tusking Arctic Narwhals
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Scanning electron microscopy reveals evidence of dentinal tubules that expose the central nerve of the tusk to the outside environment. Tubules are remnants of the process by which millions of nerve connections tunnel their way from the central nerve of the narwhal tusk to its outer surface. The tubules existence indicates that the tooth has hydrodynamic sensor capabilities.

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