The narwhal's horn is a modified male tooth and is not used to break ice

The narwhal's horn is in fact a modified tooth in the male. Males of this marine mammal have two teeth in all; the left one grows out spirally twisted and can reach two or three metres in length. In females these tusks do not erupt at all.

Despite a popular misconception, the horn is not used for breaking ice. The Arctic unicorn needs its handsome horn to attract females and to obtain food; since it is rich in nerve endings, breaking ice with it would be rather painful.

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The narwhal's horn is a modified male tooth and is not used to break ice

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