Why are walrus tusks enlarged canine teeth?

In the context of dentistry and mammalian anatomy, it is accurate to classify walrus tusks as enlarged canine teeth. These teeth are specialized, single-cusped structures that project downward from the upper jaw.12

While many mammals possess canines primarily for tearing food, the walrus's canines have evolved into elongated tusks that serve distinct biological and social functions. In both sexes, these tusks are used for defense against predators and interactions with other walruses. Furthermore, they play a significant role in social hierarchy and mating displays, where dominance among males is often established based on tusk size.123

Contrary to some misconceptions, these tusks are not used for digging food from the ocean floor; rather, the walrus uses its snout to root for prey like clams and mussels. However, the tusks do assist the animal in navigating its environment, as they can be used to temporarily anchor the walrus to the ocean floor while it searches for food, a behavior that has earned the species the nickname "tooth walker".13