The NarwhalThe NarwhalBy: Grant Hall,

Makenna Hunziker, Madison MeadeBy: Grant Hall,

Makenna Hunziker, Madison Meade

Introduction

• Monodon monoceros - Scientific Name

• Significance of the Tusk

• Physical Characteristics

• Geographic Relevance and Importance

Grant Hall

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Reflections

Madison,I love how open you were to taking on the characteristics paragraph. It was a lot hard facts and you made it flow extremely well. Good job!

Grant

Makenna,I love how open you were to taking on parts of the project. You didn’t care specifically what you were doing, you just knew you wanted to help and make it look good, and you did! Thanks!

Grant

MadisonI really think you did an amazing job finding interesting facts about the narwhals, and your slides looked very clean and classy!

Makenna

Grant,I really loved how you kept us on task and very organized in the Google Doc with the folder you made!

Makenna

Grant, Good job organizing the project and keeping us all on track.  You did an awesome job on your research too! Good job!

Madison

Makenna,You did an awesome job research of where the narwhals have lived and the history of them.  You did a great job!Madison

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Makenna Hunziker