Tusk
272999
222881991
2008-07-01T15:55:32Z
Grebaldar
7387784
{{Otheruses}}
[[Image:Walruses with Tusks.jpg|thumb|right|Pacific Walrus at Cape Peirce]]
[[Image:Ivory trade.jpg|thumb|upright|Men with [[African Elephant]] tusks, [[Dar es Salaam]], c. 1900]]
A '''tusk''' is an extremely long [[incisor]] [[tooth]] of certain [[mammal]]s that protrudes when the [[mouth]] is closed. Tusk-bearing mammals include [[elephant]]s, [[warthog]]s, [[walrus]]es, and [[narwhal]]s.
Tusks are used by humans to produce [[ivory]], which is used in artifacts and [[jewelry]], and formerly in other items such as [[piano]] keys.
Since most tusk-bearing mammals are [[endangered]] (especially the [[African elephant]]), the ivory trade is severely restricted by the [[United Nations]] [[Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora]] (CITES). It is unknown if or when this restriction will end.
== External links ==
* [http://www.nmafa.si.edu/resource/art/tusk.jpg Carved Ivory Tusk]
[[Category:Animal anatomy]]
[[Category:Bone products]]
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