Walrus tusks and whiskers. Close-up of the tusks and vibrissae (whiskers) of an Atlantic walrus (Odobenus rosmarus). Vibrissae are sensitive sensory organs used to forage for food below mud or sand. A walrus has around 400 to 700 vibrissae in 13 to 15 rows on its snout. Vibrissae are attached to muscles and are supplied with blood and nerves. The long ivory tusks are canine teeth and can reach a metre in length. They are used in conflicts between walruses and to help a walrus haul itself out of the water onto ice or land. This walrus has been killed by local hunters (visible in the background) for food. Photographed in spring in Greenland | |
Lizenzart: | Lizenzpflichtig |
Credit: | Science Photo Library / Murray, Louise |
Bildgröße: | 3648 px × 5472 px |
Modell-Rechte: | nicht erforderlich |
Eigentums-Rechte: | nicht erforderlich |
Restrictions: | - |