Seals do not possess tusks. While some marine mammals are recognized by these prominent dental structures, seals are not among them. The confusion often arises due to the presence of other pinniped species that do have tusks. This distinction is based on the biological definition of a tusk, which seals’ teeth do not meet.
Understanding What Defines a Tusk
A tusk is an elongated, continuously growing tooth that extends well beyond the mouth of certain mammals. These specialized teeth are typically either incisors or canines and are primarily composed of dentin, a hard, bone-like material. Animals use tusks for various purposes, including digging for food, defending themselves, and displaying dominance or attracting mates. Examples of animals that possess true tusks include elephants, which have elongated incisors, and wild boars, narwhals, and walruses, which feature elongated canines.
Seal Dentition and Its Functions
Seals, belonging to the group of pinnipeds, possess teeth well-suited for their aquatic, predatory lifestyle. True seals (Phocidae) and eared seals (Otariidae) exhibit varied dental structures adapted for catching and processing diverse prey like fish, squid, and crustaceans. Most seals have sharp, pointed front teeth used for grasping and tearing their slippery prey. While seals do have well-developed canine teeth, these do not continuously grow or protrude significantly outside the mouth like tusks. Their molars, located at the back of the mouth, are often adapted for crushing the shells of crustaceans.
The Walrus: A Tusked Pinniped
Walruses are distinct pinnipeds, belonging to their own family, Odobenidae, setting them apart from true seals and eared seals. The most striking feature of a walrus is its prominent pair of tusks, which are, in fact, greatly elongated upper canine teeth. Both male and female walruses possess tusks, though those of males tend to be longer and thicker, sometimes reaching impressive lengths. These tusks serve multiple functions essential for their survival in Arctic environments. Walruses use their tusks to haul their bodies out of the water onto ice floes, create breathing holes in thick ice, and forage for mollusks by plowing the ocean floor. Tusks also play a role in social interactions, including dominance displays and defense against predators.