The document discusses the narwhal, a whale found in Arctic waters. It provides details on the narwhal's physical characteristics, including its long spiral tusk. The tusk has been historically significant in many cultures. Narwhals live in groups of 15-20 in the waters near Russia and Canada. They are an important part of the diet and culture for Inuit tribes who hunt them.
1. The Narwhal
By: Grant Hall,
Makenna Hunziker, Madison Meade
2. Introduction
• Monodon monoceros -
Scientific Name
• Significance of the Tusk
• Physical Characteristics
• Geographic Relevance and
Importance
Grant Hall
3. The Tusk
• “‘The Unicorn of the Sea'... The
narwhals long spirally tusk earned it
that title because it has the appearance
of the legendary unicorn” (Arctic
Animals 1998).
• “The narwhal whale is unique among
the whale species and has a long ivory
tusk ... which measures 7 – 10 feet in
length” (Whale Facts 2012).
• This ivory tusk is the key characteristic
of the narwhal and is larger than the
average human. The narwhal is also
often referenced to as “The Unicorn of
the Sea” due to it having that same type
of horn as a unicorn. Often this
similarity leads to the narwhal being
categorized with the mythical unicorn.
Grant Hall
4. Historical Significance of
The Tooth
• “So prized was the fabled tooth of the
unicorn that Queen Elizabeth in the
16th century paid 10,000 pounds for
one, equivalent to the cost of an entire
castle. The tooth is revered by many
cultures around the world. In Japan,
two crossed narwhal teeth adorn the
entrance to the Korninkaku Palace. In
Denmark multiple teeth comprise the
frame. The royal scepter in England is
made from the rare tusk” (Narwhal
Tusk Discoveries 2000-2007).
• The narwhal’s tusk has been a prized
historical element in many different
cultures.
Grant Hall
5. Whaling of the Narwhal
• “People love to hunt the Narwhal and
have done so for thousands of years.
The meat from it is said to be among the
best when it comes to whales. Therefore
such meat can be sold for a higher price
than other types of it. The ivory found
on it has also lead to it being one that is
often involved in Whaling activities”
(Whale World 2009).
• The narwhal may be rare but it is
definitely the center of attention for
whalers. It is the ideal catch.
Grant Hall
6. The unknown Narwhal
• “The Narwhal (meaning
"corpse whale" in Old Norse)
is a rarely seen Arctic whale”
(EnchantedLearning 1996-
2012).
• There skin looks very rotted
and old, which is where the
name Narwhal, meaning
“corpse” or “dead” comes
from.
Madison Meade
7. Groups of Narwhals
• “Narwhals are usually found in groups of 15 to 20, but herds of
several thousand have been seen” (Encyclopedia Britannica 2012).
• The narwhals do not like to be alone and for the most part stay with
at least 10 other narwhal friends.
Madison Meade
8. The size of the narwhal
• “Narwhals can grow to be about 16 feet (4.9 m) long (not counting
the tooth), and weigh about 1.8 tons (1.6 tones). Females are slightly
smaller” (EnchantedLearning 1996-2010).
• The size of both males and females is much longer with the tooth.
The tooth of a narwhal can grow to be up to 10 feet long.
Madison Meade
9. Narwhals: Where Do They
Live?
• “Narwhals are predominantly
found in the Atlantic and
Russian and Canadian areas
of the Arctic(The Jungle Store
2012).”
• The narwhals are adapted
efficiently to the frigid waters
of the Arctic when they are
seen they are found near
Russia and Canada.
Makenna Hunziker
10. How is the Narwhal
Important?
• “The narwhal hunt is an
important part of cultural
identity and communities
look forward to the arrival of
the narwhal hunting season
all year (Kristin L. Laidre
ND).”
• The narwhals are a very
important part of the Inuit
Tribe, and their food source.
They wait all year just to hunt
the narwhals.
Makenna Hunziker
11. Are the Narwhals Adapted?
• “The strange-looking narwhal
is uniquely suited to life in the
Arctic” (Earthjustice 2012).
• They oddly enjoy the cold
waters and the frigid ice.
Makenna Hunziker
12. Conclusion
• The narwhals are a very
unknown creature living in
the Arctic Ocean.
• Many hunters depend on
meat from narwhals every
year.
• Their long spiraled tusk
makes the narwhal very
unique and special.
Madison Meade
13. Reflections
Madison,
I love how open you were to taking on Makenna,
the characteristics paragraph. It was a I love how open you were to taking on Madison
I really think you did an amazing job finding
lot hard facts and you made it flow parts of the project. You didn’t care interesting facts about the narwhals, and your
extremely well. Good job! specifically what you were doing, you slides looked very clean and classy-
just knew you wanted to help and Makenna
Grant make it look good, and you did!
Thanks!
Grant
Grant,
Good job organizing the Grant,
project and keeping us all Makenna,
I really loved how you
on track. You did an You did an awesome job research
kept us on task and very
awesome job on your of where the narwhals have lived
organized in the Google
research too! Good job! and the history of them. You did
Doc with the folder you
Madison a great job!Madison
made!
Madison
Makenna