Can you tell the age of a narwhal by the size of its tusk?

The size of a narwhal's tusk does not necessarily correspond to its age. Male narwhals have long spiral tusks that can grow up to 3 meters long, while females and some males have short, straight tusks. The size of a narwhal's tusk is determined by genetics, diet, and environmental factors, and is not a reliable indicator of age.

While the exact function of the narwhal tusk is still not fully understood, it is believed to play a role in mating rituals, sensing changes in the environment, and even hunting. Narwhals are elusive and live in the Arctic waters of Canada, Greenland, Norway, and Russia. Their tusks are highly prized by some cultures and have been traded for centuries.