Material: Tusks are made of ivory, which is a hard, dense material composed of dentin. Dentin is a calcified tissue that makes up the bulk of a tooth.
Why do walruses have them?
Walrus tusks have several important functions:
* Digging: They use their tusks to dig for clams and other shellfish, their primary food source.
* Fighting: Tusks are used in battles between males for dominance and mating rights.
* Pulling themselves onto ice: They can use their tusks to help pull themselves out of the water onto ice floes.
* Defense: Tusks serve as a defense mechanism against predators like polar bears.
* Social displays: Tusks are used in social interactions and displays, including attracting mates.
Interesting Facts:
* Only male walruses have large tusks. Females have much smaller tusks.
* Walrus tusks can grow up to 3 feet long and weigh up to 10 pounds.
* The tusks are constantly growing throughout the walrus's life.
It's important to remember that walrus tusks are valuable, and they are threatened by poaching. The illegal trade in ivory contributes to the decline of walrus populations.