Question

Which teeth of elephants are modified into tusks?

Answer 1

Tusks are massive teeth of elephants and other such animals. Just like human teeth they are also well rooted and are made up of dentine.

Complete answer:
The tusks of elephants are the modification of second incisors in the upper jaw. They replace milk teeth at 6-12 months of age and after that grow continuously. The new task has a smooth enamel cap that wears off eventually.

Additional Information: -Tusks are elongated and continuously growing teeth of certain mammals that protrude well beyond the mouth.
-In the case of elephants, they are modified incisors.
-These modified teeth are usually curved and have a smooth surface. They grow continuously by formative tissue in the apical opening of the roots of the teeth.
-Elephant tusks weigh around 45kg or less.
-They use their tusk to display dominance, especially among males. They use it for defense as well as digging and boring. Humans use the tusk to produce ivory. But for this many tusk bearing species including elephants are hunted down which is very wrong. Therefore, it is restricted in many regions nowadays.
-Aside from elephants, other animals such as pigs, hippos, and walruses also possess tusks but they are mainly modifications of canine teeth.

Note: Elephant tusks are given as an evolutionary advantage. These help them to dig, lift objects, gather food as well as defend themselves from the dangers. It also protects the trunk. In the case of African elephants, both male and female elephants possess tusks whereas only male Asian elephants have tusks. Currently, tusks have become more of a danger than a blessing to the Elephants because of the hunting for the search of ivory. Therefore, it is getting very necessary to raise concerns before the Elephants also go extinct for their valuable part.