Head scarring on male narwhals (Monodon monoceros): evidence for aggressive tusk use

摘要: The data presented here provide strong evidence that support the hypothesis narwhal's tusk is used during fights between mature males. Evidence of violent fighting among adult males includes high numbers head scars, broken tusks, and a tip embedded in skull. Females immature had significantly fewer lower incidence tusks. Among males, scar number was positively related to body girth, weight, but not length or length. Relating dominance pattern many scars on massive with tusks consistent from other species for which both anatomical behavioural observations are available. lack significant correlations girth assessment based display lengths.