AssetID: 54593525
Headline: Extraordinary Drone Footage Of Narwhals In The Arctic Reveals Never-Before-Filmed Behaviour
Caption: Scientists have finally uncovered the true purpose of the narwhal's legendary tusk - thanks to stunning drone footage. Narwhals, known for their iconic spiralled tusks, have long puzzled researchers now, a breakthrough study reveals their surprising uses. Drone footage captured 17 never-before-seen narwhal behaviours, including their tusks' unexpected role in hunting. For the first time, narwhals were filmed using their tusks to stun fish before eating them - changing what we know about these Arctic creatures. Researchers also observed narwhals using their tusks to probe their surroundings, search for food, and even play. Scientists believe the tusks may help narwhals detect water temperature and salinity changes, aiding their Arctic survival. In an unusual moment, researchers filmed narwhals nudging and playing with fish without eating them - suggesting they may play for fun. Published in Frontiers in Marine Science, this study rewrites what we know about the Arctic's most mysterious whale.
Keywords: Natural World,narwhal,tusk,mystery,drone footage,Arctic whales,Florida Atlantic University,Fisheries and Oceans Canada,Inuit communities,High Arctic,hunting,foraging,exploration,play,Arctic char,stunning prey,probing surroundings,mating,ritualistic behaviour,water temperature,salinity detection,National Geographic Explorer,Greg O’Corry-Crowe,Cortney Watt,research study,remote waters,elusive species,Frontiers in Marine Science
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