The narwhal is a medium-sized whale that lives in the Arctic region year-round. It is characterized by its single, straight tusk, which is actually an elongated canine (tooth) that grows to a length of ten feet. Normally, such tusks are unique to males. Occasionally, a male narwhal will have two tusks. The tusk functions as a sensory organ and is rarely, if ever, used for aggressive or defensive purposes. The Narwhal itself can grow to about 18 feet in length, but most average about 13 feet. Narwhals can weigh up to 3,500 pounds.
The word “Narwhal” comes from an old Norse (from Norway) word meaning “corpse.” The Narwhal’s greyish, drab colouration reminded sailors of a dead body.
The Narwhal feeds about Arctic fish such as cod and halibut, as well as shrimp and squid. Because Narwhals lack teeth, it is thought that they swim towards their prey and suck it into their mouths.
Narwhals are a migratory species of the whale. They migrate to shallow, ice-free, coastal waters in spring in pods (groups) of 10-100 individuals. In winter, they move to deeper waters under pack ice. Narwhals can dive to depths of over 2,500 feet and can stay under water for 25 minutes or more. Their dives are among the deepest ever recorded for marine mammals. They use sonar to guide themselves through the murky depths.
Scientists believe there are about 75,000 Narwhals living in the Arctic waters. Individuals in the wild can live up to 50 years. Narwhals are thought to be extremely sensitive to climate change and reduced pack ice in Arctic waters.
Answer the following questions
1 Which of the following would not fit the profile of a narwhal?
a A narwhal using sonar
b A narwhal using its teeth to tear prey
c A narwhal migrating to shallow waters in spring
d A narwhal swimming in icy waters
2 What is the narwhal’s tusk used for?
a As a sensory organ
b To fight other narwhals
c To scare off predators
d To hunt
3 Based on the passage, which of the following might be harmful to narwhal population?
a Colder waters.
b More sea ice.
c Less sea ice.
d More polar bears.
4 The Narwhal cannot…
a grow to weigh more than 3,500 pounds
b stay under water for 20 minutes
c live up to 45 years
d grow to a length of 15 feet
5 Which of the following words is an antonym of “murky”?
a fast
b noisy
c muddy
d clear
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