What structures, which give the warthog its name, are thick pads of skin and fatty tissue?
Answer
These structures serve as protection, likely absorbing blows during fights
The physical features that give the warthog its common name are the 'warts' found on its face. These are not pathological growths but rather substantial, dense pads composed of thick skin and underlying fatty tissue. These structures are particularly prominent in adult males, sometimes appearing in up to three distinct pairs. Their functional purpose is defensive; they are positioned strategically to absorb and deflect impacts when males engage in ritualistic combat, which involves either locking heads or utilizing their lower tusks against one another.
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Warthog Facts: WHY the WARTS? Animal Fact Files - YouTube
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