How do the lower tusks of the warthog function in relation to the upper tusks during activity?
Answer
The lower tusks are sharper and act like blades as they rub against the longer upper pair
The warthog possesses two sets of growing canine teeth: the upper and lower tusks. The upper pair are noticeably long, often curving outwards and upwards significantly in older males, sometimes reaching up to two feet in length. In contrast, the lower tusks are considerably shorter but are honed to be much sharper. This specialized sharpening occurs because the lower tusks constantly rub against the longer upper tusks during use, effectively creating a blade-like edge essential for both defense against large predators like leopards and lions, and for efficiently excavating roots and tubers from the soil.
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