Abstract
SummaryAn examination of twenty‐four male babirusa skulls indicates that the long tusks have an important function in intraspecific fighting. The upper tusks have developed a shielding, protective function whilst the lower tusks are offensive and daggerlike. As the upper tusks do not hone the lower canines as in other suids, the babirusa male actively sharpens his lower tusks on trees. Wear patterns on the tusks suggest that mainland babirusa use the upper tusks to interlock and hold their opponents' lower tusks during combat. In the Buru race this hooking function appears to have been lost and the upper tusks have a butting function instead.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
