Tusks are elongated, continuously growing teeth found in certain animals, most notably in elephants, walruses, and wild boars. These specialized teeth can serve various purposes, such as digging for food, fighting, or displaying dominance. In elephants, tusks are actually modified incisors that can grow several feet long and are used for foraging and stripping bark from trees.
In addition to their functional roles, tusks can also be a symbol of status within animal communities. For example, larger tusks in walruses can indicate a stronger, more dominant male. Unfortunately, the demand for ivory, which is derived from tusks, has led to significant threats to species like elephants, prompting conservation efforts worldwide.