The Insane Biology of: The Narwhal

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Patreon: / realscience
Instagram: / stephaniesammann
Images Courtesy of Getty Images
Credits:
Narrator: Stephanie Sammann
Writer: Lorraine Boissoneault
Editor: Dylan Hennessy (www.behance.net/dylanhennessy1)
Illustrator: Jacek Ambrożewski
Illustrator/Animator: Kirtan Patel (kpatart.com/illustrations)
Animator: Mike Ridolfi (www.moboxgraphics.com/)
Sound: Graham Haerther (haerther.net)
Thumbnail: Simon Buckmaster ( / forgottentowel )
REFERENCES
[1] link.springer.com/content/pdf...
[2] www.nature.com/articles/s4159...
[3] psc.apl.uw.edu/rp/laidre/narw...
[4] www.cell.com/current-biology/...
[5] staff.washington.edu/klaidre/d...
[6] anatomypubs.onlinelibrary.wil...
[7] animalbiotelemetry.biomedcent...
[8] esajournals.onlinelibrary.wil...
[9] • The first-ever footage...
[10] royalsocietypublishing.org/do...
[11] zslpublications.onlinelibrary...
[12] onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/1...
[13] polarresearch.net/index.php/p...
[14] www.cell.com/current-biology/...

[@someonetyping]

Dang, corpse whale is a pretty metal name

[@arandomanvil5989]

Nár (pronounced like "nowr") is the Corpse. The Hval (pronounced like "kval") is Danish (also other Scandinavian languages), while the Dutch gave us the "w" part, changing the Hval to whal.

[@AcidifiedMammoth]

Gojira × Behemoth

[@naingaung2748]

“Narwhals, narwhals swimming in the ocean causing a commotion”

[@windhelmguard5295]

"'cause they are so awesome!"

[@realscience]

This has been stuck in my head for like 2 months 😵‍💫

[@cupriferouscatalyst3708]

@@windhelmguard5295 Narwhals, narwhals, pretty big and pretty white, they'd beat a polar bear in a fight (except not really, according to this video)

[@m8rshall]

AHH weebl's legacy still lives on after all this time, excellent!

[@shneeblee180]

Under water unicorn 😂

[@Sunflowersarepretty]

Narwhals look so magical to me. I heard this from another show that they are also very nervous around people so that's why we cannot learn much about them this and their environment makes it more difficult to study them enough.

[@hondrta]

You’d be nervous around a species that hunts you too.

[@LeonardTavast]

Their closest relative, the Beluga whale, is social though.

[@gruzza9000]

These videos are so informative, genuinely great quality content.

[@infinitemonkey917]

Yes, with the exception of Dune worms.

[@p5eudo883]

This one was particularly interesting to me. Great content. Narwhals are indeed more extreme than I had known. Far more.

[@user-gb2mn8he8w]

@@infinitemonkey917 Yeah I skipped that one bro

[@RobinPochita]

I’ve genuinely learned more info on narwhals in this one video than in my entire life and narwhals are one of my favorite animals.

[@pyropulseIXXI]

This just exposes you as extremely lazy

[@scottbruner9266]

0:46 That fart sound effect is PRICELESS 😅

[@migz8024]

I wasn't ready😭

[@pyropulseIXXI]

It was me; that was my fart

[@CrimsonA1]

Followed by "Maybe you're thinking, that's still a majestic creature..." 🤣

[@leongliyang6946]

Unexpected moment 😂😂😂

[@user-et2dx5du7e]

that narwhal sitting there just saying fuck was hilarious

[@MontgomeryWenis]

You forgot one of the main uses of the different claws on crustaceans. Most have one crusher claw that has far more muscle in it that is used to break shells and whatnot. The other is primarily a holding claw.

[@StoffelDilligas]

The real name is "Toothpick nosed pickle dolphin".

[@lasercraft32]

Narwhals: Have long tusks on their heads. Scientists: *Why are you like this? WHY???*

[@jamiebray8532]

This is the absolute best video I've seen on Narwhals. I've watched so many over 40yrs. I learned more from this than any. You make absolutely fantastic videos. Science teachers in elementary & middle schools could add them to their lesson plans to make a huge difference in students grades.

[@TerriTie]

Every time I see narwhals, I wonder if they really exist. Even though I heard about them from many documentaries, they still feel out of this world. They’re amazing creatures.

[@brianrussell7691]

An informative and entertaining video on Narwhals. Thank you Stephanie. I look forward to your next one.

[@charlespittsjr604]

Very comfortable speaker and seems comfortable talking. Most people look uncomfortable or forced when do documentary type videos. Keep up the good work.

[@sendoh7x]

This is my first impression of her first time I watched their documentary years ago. Sounds very passionate on the topic as well

[@damnwereinatightspot]

She has upped her game >Jokes n facetime. Dont know her name but comfortable to listen to and her enunciationis incredible. sometimes i wonder how many takes..

[@MotoHikes]

Her name is Stephanie :) Says so in the description

[@damnwereinatightspot]

@@MotoHikes Cool, nice to know. Thank you. :)

[@eSKAone-]

Don't need the facetime

[@user-rx1om7rs3b]

​​​@@eSKAone- I feel the same with fart jokes. I Haven't even realized what it was until seeing it at the comment sectiontbh. Until then I have thought it is an unintended error. Squeaky chair or something. I'll never understood American fascination with inferior, undemanding under-belt jokes. This is what makes most Hollywood 'comedies' unwatchable. Consumers are stupid and least common denominator is everything is the movie industries mantra. Although their fascination with sexual, genital and excreaton and fart related is understandable, seeing the us is a military superpower accelerating towards it's end. Same thing happened in the imperial Roman empire (and it is also the reason of their SJW and gender and race hysteria imo). Good for China and Russia, I guess.

[@steffiwedel3512]

Das diese wunderschönen Geschöpfe noch nicht ausgerottet wurden, wegen ihrem Zahn, grenzt an ein Wunder!

[@arandomanvil5989]

Stimmt

[@brunitop4753]

Obviously, the tusk is for cleaning the gunk out of each other's mouths and/or chipping away at ice. A toothpick, if you will.

[@austin3789]

Ah... now I know why narwhal's are so shy... not very good at breaking the ice.

[@michaelandruzzi7564]

National Geographic or Discovery need to contact you to narrate all of their programs!! You're voice is so soothing!! Great video as always!!

[@UncleRJ]

I love narwhals, pretty big and pretty white. They're like an underwater unicorn that got a kick-ass facial horn. They do cause a commotion swimming in the sea, but that's just because they're so awesome. It still blows my mind that they're the inventor of Shish Kebab.

[@cupriferouscatalyst3708]

One could make the argument that they're akin to the Jedi from Star Wars, except that they're in the sea.

[@hellelujahh]

I'm pretty sure that, should they fight a polar bear, they'd emerge victorious!

[@blackspectre209]

Tjis entire chain is such a great reference.

[@blackvoid7221]

I'm glad your continuing to make these amazing videos. The quality is great and so informative. Keep up the great work! :)

[@DirtyBobBojangles]

you're*

[@blackvoid7221]

@@DirtyBobBojangles Shut up please

[@PeterKertesz2013]

Great videos always. Thanks and keep them coming.

[@cyphatechie5459]

late on watching this episode...would like to see you cover the pitbull fishing bat...like echo location is complex enough but fishing with echo location is an absolute fascination

[@Charles-kc2vt]

Amazing video! Actually informative and well-researched

[@kopfweh512]

thank you so much!! marine mammals are my absolute favs and this video is so well made and informative!! ahh i almost cried because i love your vids sm!

[@Christian-rf7ox]

great vid as allways Two points I have to make 1. I love that the videos are not only interesting but they keep getting funnier 2. thanks for letting us put a face to the voice so ... just keep doing what you are doing

[@VicRodMolCO]

The rhythm of the video, te quality of edition and the depth developed about the topic are really outstanding. 👏🏽

[@dondraper3871]

I have buck teeth... Next time s.one makes fun of me, I'll proudly declare myself as the dream boyfriend for a unicorn

[@Tentacular]

When you mentioned that narwhals are at risk of Entrapment, I thought you were about to say that their most feared predator is Catherine Zeta Jones.

[@GeoffryGifari]

I find it weird that tusks mostly form from one tooth, that lack of symmetry...

[@SubvertTheState]

Nice to see who's been blowing my mind for all this time. Great video once again.

[@mark_reviews-reddit]

Is this the first time face reveal? Took me by surprise

[@epicseadragon1692]

Great video thank you! Narwhals are fascinating!

[@Nytelynx]

Corpse Whales with giant toothy horns ARE Majestic AF. Mother Nature's design is not bound to your standards.

[@_ayush_oswal]

As always , great content ❤

[@nicox8913]

So incredibly grateful for your channel, diligence, and hard work. We all benefit from it, which is the noblest of pursuits. Thank you. 💕🥂

[@kitsune2858]

TBH, your comparing crabs and mammals, thats a good way to anger evolutionists LOL

[@BlessingsMate]

TBH I used to believe evolution created our world but looking at the whale evolution story just couldn't cut it. So a 4 legged land dwelling mammal had its nose mutated to the top of its head and then somehow its back legs turned into flippers. Lightbulb! It was designed to flourish in its ecosystem. There is soooo much evidence for design AND you don't need blind faith to accept the big bang story. Once you realise you're not an 'accident' and your heavenly Father loves you, life is purposeful exciting and real. Jesus loves you bro! Messiah 2030

[@TeaDrinker08]

These videos are absolutely amazing and really interesting

[@hamstersmash]

We need a dedicated video on Chickens

[@cynot71]

Yeah, that would be good. Also, the many different ways of cooking them, too!

[@treetrunks4175]

Realest thing ever

[@alp6502]

I've been waiting for this

[@glennmoss3285]

Those tusks are also sensitive to pressure changes. This means they may also be capable of sensing and tracking sources of sound/vibration in even the darkest waters. Like those of prey.

[@KBoss19]

Small thing, but dentinal tubules are only on the root surfaces of teeth in humans. Roots do not have any enamel on them. They do have a thin layer of cementum but usually that layer is worn away, leaving the tubules exposed. That's why people with gum recession get sensitive teeth

[@hazimreitz]

Ever since I saw them for the first time in national geographic, they're like my favorite sea creature. It's the mystical appearance that they give off and the stark difference that it has from other sea mammals.

[@thomaseskelsen1362]

I loved this episode. Thank you. ❤

[@ash5774]

I just wanna say I really love the work you guys do with your videos and the amount of effort you put in to making them look and sound as premium as they do for a KZbin video. I also love how scientifically informative they are when explained, however this video is probably the first I’ve seen that looks like click bait for people who don’t really care about science. It makes the video feel cheap tbh and less appealing. I watch your videos to get away from crappy content. Please don’t change for good!

[@randomthoughts9463]

WoW. So easily digested information. Thanks and great job.

[@matthewdebeer8453]

I can never unlearn the fact that a bunch of science hippies made narwhal tusk condoms to test the “salinity sensor” hypothesis.

[@davidschaftenaar6530]

Maybe it's also like a sensory organ for hunting? When something moves, that movement ripples out and moves water along the tooth at a different rate than if there had been no movement. That different flow rate might register to them as a change in salinity, similar to how the movement of air from like a fan or something can register as a difference in air temperature to our own skin. The tooth could be an alternative to echolocation for hunting scarce bottomdwelling prey and cephalopods in very deep, dark water. One that's also much more energy efficient, because the animal doesn't have to produce very loud sounds. I don't think it would otherwise make sense for additional salinity to the tooth to trigger an elevated heart rate, as that would just mean that the narwhal consumes even more oxygen right when it is about to become much harder for it to breathe. It would also lead the animal to *avoid* breathing holes in the ice, because that's where ice growth is going to be the most intense (cold air meeting liquid water) and thus salinity will be too.

[@reggiep75]

I was first made aware of the Narwhal spike/horn when someone used it to defend themselves during an attack on a bridge in London.

[@cheofdoom2627]

Nice to see the face behind these fascinating videos. I really enjoy the content you create.

[@behavior852]

Well done. These are one of my favorite marine mammals.

[@retrocat604]

It shoots laser lights that we feline enthusiastically chase

[@nickcunningham6344]

As a computer science major, I never thought I'd fall in love with biology, yet here I am, binge-watching all of your videos.

[@fireaza]

Narwhals, narwhals! Swimming in the ocean! Causing a commotion!

[@debrainwasher]

In my humble opinion, a Narwhal *is* a unicorn. A sea unicorn to be exact.

[@chzone1238]

not sure how much i like this style of video. i prefer just the learning, and i usually do from all your videos. i didn’t really like the ‘kiddie’ jokes and unserious comments you showed.

[@anaywalunjkar]

Very informative video, thanks for sharing. This video is now making me learn more about this amazing fish

[@artawhirler]

All whales are actually mammals, not fish.

[@danhectic5629]

obviously a Moby Dick fan heheh.

[@GeoffryGifari]

Do we know about the early ancestors of narwhals? did they also have weird organs, like the past relatives of present day sharks and elephants?

[@BlessingsMate]

Good point. I used to believe evolution created our world but looking at the whale evolution story just couldn't cut it. So a 4 legged land dwelling mammal had its nose mutated to the top of its head and then somehow its back legs turned into flippers. Lightbulb! It was designed to flourish in its ecosystem. There is soooo much evidence for design AND you don't need blind faith to accept the big bang story. Once you realise you're not an 'accident' and your heavenly Father loves you, life is purposeful exciting and real. Jesus loves you bro! Messiah 2030

[@grillmeisterkush6396]

Ever since I found your channel I have loved your content! Keep it up!

[@jchastain789]

Am I the only one screaming for protection when we consider the tooth..... like a rhino

[@DuckysPond]

First time watching your channel. Saw your sponsor for Cell to Singularity. I’ve been playing for a while. I love this game, and they continue adding things to it.

[@diveflyfish]

It is possible that the tusk itself could be used as a pressure transducer akin to the ampulllae of Lorenzini or lateral line of a fish to sense movement within the water column for depth, salinity as well as electric field of prey. As a dentist, one appreciates the piezo electric effect of dentin and cementum. The tusk could easily be akin to a piezoelectric beam type transducer that could register how much force a opponent could apply like in a jousting contest, and stave off injury by noting the amount of force that is being applied to the tusk. The human tooth is capable of sensing in six axis micro movement of 5 micron. The bone to tooth interface of the periodontal ligamant would be the gross input and the length of the tusk is a force amplifier with exquisite fine descrimintation. EXCELLENT Video....... Cheers.

[@bc4198]

It's like the awl on the back of a Swiss Army knife - you find uses for it.

[@MamaWheelz]

I absolutely love 🌌Cell To Singularity🌌 and I was actually playing it while watching this video. I've been a player for a few years now and this tapping game has helped me so much with my idle picking issues because it gives me something for my hands to do while I'm watching something or thinking, and I've learned so much from it's "story" and events. I genuinely can not recommend this game enough ❤

[@maciekzajac4745]

fantastic, surprising, enticing - as per usual on this channel

[@user-rx1om7rs3b]

5:28 That's why everyone calls them the Masao Kakiharas of Arctic waters. It cannot be just me. That guessing ridiculous reasons was great, you could repeat it with future videos of yours (when applicable). Great video!

[@Kiwjtastic]

0:40 LOL the sound got me

[@BlueJay56]

I learned something, and that means you're doing a great job!

[@michasosnowski5918]

It was as always interesting. Ive become kind of addicted to this game over the past few months. You could play it all day long, and for many months. Its dangerous :)

[@AttilaH2023]

I like your KZbin Channel. You have made me interested in biology.

[@RobertHenderson.poopiebear]

I LOVE when she does creatures I've never heard of! Cool video.

[@BidenSuxks]

Wow...lol

[@RobinPalmerTV]

It looks as if it would be right at home at a ren fair jousting event

[@Jess-vk6mp]

My guess with their tusk was that it was used like how a swordfish uses them. And that they were for show like attracting mates. This video was pretty interesting. I had no idea they could sense anything through them, and using them to find open areas to breathe makes sense too.

[@filmic1]

That was so cool. Thank you.

[@AFar-sl2sm]

The narwhal bacons at midnight

[@GamersOutcast]

What on earth sounds like a perfect name for a series

[@OpEditorial]

At some point even the most ardent marine biologist has to shrug and say "does it really matter what the giant tooth is for?"

[@Dr.Ian-Plect]

tripe

[@OpEditorial]

@Dr.Ian-Plect exactly, at the end of the day, who cares what the tooth is for, even if the narwhal uses it to poke out eyes lol

[@redcoffeez]

Narwhals are so majestic and beautiful. They are truly unicorns

[@thegunslinger1363]

Could you do a video on the Amur Tiger?

[@JailChief12]

Narwhals. Narwhals swimming in the ocean causing commotion swimming away cause they are so awesome. This song was like my toddler anthem 🙂

[@nucleargrizzly1776]

Narwhal tusk makes a fine acoustic guitar nut and bridge.

[@bryanbryan2968]

Narwhale: “Wouldn’t you like to know.”

[@jamesredmond7001]

Regarding your last point, I wonder if anyone has tried replicating that saltwater sensititvity experiment with the females - specifically trying to see if their internal teeth have a similar structure and sensitivity to salinity. If they did, then that might be a point in favour of the idea that narwhal tusks are just mutated versions of a preexisting trait.

[@HyperDash]

Real Engineering: "We're going to appear on camera more often to combat the usage of AI" Also Real Engineering: uses AI anyway what a slap in the face

[@nyamsurenganbileg1777]

Thank you for fascinating information. Not only information it is tool to manipulate properly nature

[@FishareFriendsNotFood972]

Fascinating

[@owlspark_biggest_fan4703]

Yipppie fav channel uploaded

[@BengalBoy16]

I am a little annoyed you guys are using AI-"Art" in your work

[@XDarkGreyX]

Bad because money could have gone to an actual artist, sure, but if you are annoyed by AI being trained on the works of people without their consent: people have been doing to that to each other for who knows how long. Plus, the models are sort of made for merging motives and styles, so may as well use them for that here and there. You gotta get over it...

[@ducky19991]

@@XDarkGreyXai art is ugly and annoying. The video would be better without it.

[@paularanya8726]

True. Using ai is obnoxious

[@cupriferouscatalyst3708]

@@XDarkGreyX I can understand those who say that it's simply ugly and distracting, because I feel that too, but "it steals jobs from artists, meaning that they can't buy food or pay rent" isn't an issue with AI, but an issue with capitalism.

[@user-yz1oz6dw6b]

Haven’t noticed. Timecodes?

[@AndrewSkow1]

Narwhal appreciation day is still more than two weeks away! You must have something big planned for the official day.

[@benmcreynolds8581]

I always thought they used it to break ice and maybe in rare cases aiming it to defend themselves

[@ignaciopazgarcia5370]

Goated channel as always

[@ericswain4177]

A Narwhal tusk is a multifunctional adaptation. Sensory organs and appendages are not necessarily only for one sole purpose and rarely are or only started out that way and then found to be useful in other ways to survive better.

[@midvale5thyear]

I love to learn from a really smoking hot science Communicator. Keep up the great work. You rock

[@rembrantro]

It was interesting to see you after long time hearing voice only. My be another idea for a video: how humans brain "build" face from sound

[@trevorstevenson4038]

I can eat ice cream and icey-poles. I cant stand the thought of nor see somebody biting in to that light-green or orange bedding foam!!! Giving me chills writing this

[@LastGoatKnight]

I can't imagine how painful it would hurt that tusk if it's like a tooth. I suffered through a lot of different toothache soI know how painful one "little" tooth can be, let alone a meter long tusk full of nerves

[@tomyboy742]

This presenter is gifted, and always a good narrator.

[@gamecheatmaster123]

What a dream it would be to get to study these creatures up close. Someone should try use Underwater Drones.

[@BeyondEcstasy]

your brain wouldn't consider an experience to be uncomfortable if it's permanent constant experience, no?

[@ProfessorBeautiful]

Wow, very cool! I have long been puzzled about narwhals. I will check iut the game too.

[@duarteguerreiro9202]

Magnificent video!