What's the Point of Tusks?

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elephant tusks
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Tusks, those ivory spears that protrude from the jaws of certain large mammals, are actually elongated teeth. Ivory, the stuff they're made of, is a type of dentine calcium-rich tooth tissue .

The tusks of elephants and narwhals are modified permanent upper incisors, whereas the tusks of walruses, warthogs and wild boars are outsized canines .

There's no one reason that tusks evolved from teeth in so many different species. Elephants use them to dig and bore. Male narwhals spar with them to impress narwhal-ladies. Walruses use them like picks, to grip ice. Boars use them as weapons.

The largest tusk ever recorded belonged to an African elephant . It weighed 214 pounds and was 11 feet six inches long.

Original story on Live Science.

Live Science Staff
Live Science Staff
For the science geek in everyone, Live Science offers a fascinating window into the natural and technological world, delivering comprehensive and compelling news and analysis on everything from dinosaur discoveries, archaeological finds and amazing animals to health, innovation and wearable technology. We aim to empower and inspire our readers with the tools needed to understand the world and appreciate its everyday awe.
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