Direct Cast Replica Narwhal Tusk

Monodon Monoceros

35.5 Inches Long 2 Pounds 5 Ounces

Made Of Solid Resin

The narwhal, or narwhale (Monodon monoceros), is a medium-sized toothed whale and possesses a large "tusk" from a protruding canine tooth. It lives year-round in the Arctic waters around Greenland, Canada, and Russia. It is one of two living species of whale in the Monodontidae family, along with the beluga whale. The narwhal males are distinguished by a long, straight, helical tusk, which is an elongated upper left canine. The narwhal was one of many species described by Carolus Linnaeus in his publication Systema Naturae in 1758.   For both sexes, excluding the male's tusk, the total body size can range from 13 to 18. feet. The average weight of an adult narwhal is 1,800 to 3,500 pounds. Their tusks grow throughout life, reaching lengths up to 10 feet. Narwhals can live up to 50 years old.

THE IMPORTANCE OF FOSSIL REPLICAS By definition authentic fossils are unique one-of-a-kind occurrences. No two fossils are identical. In fact, many fossils are the one and only known specimen of a particular genus or species. With only one specimen available for study how do paleontologist around the world study such rare and often very fragile specimens? One answer to that question is through replicas cast directly from the original fossil. This way many exact copies can be made and distributed for research and museum display all over the world. Thus, fossils replicas are an important scientific tool. In some cases, a replica of a fossil lost or destroyed may be the only remaining evidence of the original fossil. Replicas allow direct study of otherwise unattainable specimens. Replicas allow the public to see, enjoy and learn about specimens that otherwise might be locked away in some storage cabinet or vault. For example, there is only one original Archaeopteryx specimen known as the Berlin specimen and that original is kept in a vault in Germany. However, nearly every museum in the world displays a replica of this important fossil. Another example is the Tyrannosaurus rex known as Sue? the most complete specimen ever found. There is only one original, but replicas are in museums all over the world. The importance of replicas in paleontology and education cannot be overstated.