Knowra Tusk Tusk A tusk is an elongated tooth that projects beyond an animal’s mouth, often remaining exposed or growing throughout life. Tusks serve roles such as feeding, defense, display, and competition.
Tooth : A hard structure in the mouth used to bite, cut, grind, or otherwise process food. Tusks are specialized teeth whose shape and position extend their functions beyond ordinary chewing.
Continuous growth : Ongoing tissue production that lengthens a structure throughout an organism’s life. Elephant tusks lengthen as living tissue at their bases adds dentin.
Elephant tusk : An elephant’s elongated upper incisor, used for digging, stripping bark, lifting objects, and defense. Elephant tusks are the best-known example of continuously growing tusks.
Ivory trade : The commerce in ivory, especially material obtained from elephant tusks and other animal teeth. Demand for tusk ivory has driven extensive hunting and shaped international regulation.
Incisor : A front tooth adapted primarily for cutting or gnawing. Elephant tusks are enlarged upper incisors, while other tusks arise from different teeth.
Tooth eruption : The movement of a developing tooth through the jaw and gum into the mouth. Eruption places a tusk in a position where it can project, function, and become exposed.
Walrus tusk : An elongated upper canine tooth found in both male and female walruses. Walruses use tusks in social displays, fighting, and helping haul themselves onto ice.
Poaching : The illegal capture or killing of wildlife, often for valuable body parts or trade. Poachers kill elephants and other tusked animals to obtain ivory and related materials.
Canine tooth : A pointed tooth near the front of the jaw, commonly adapted for gripping or puncturing. Walrus tusks are elongated upper canine teeth rather than incisors.
Tooth wear : The gradual loss of tooth material through contact, abrasion, or other physical and chemical processes. Wear can blunt or shorten tusks, sometimes balancing their ongoing growth.
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