Census shows rapid decline in the number of elephants in Africa

Elephant tusks evolved from teeth, giving the species an evolutionary advantage. They serve a variety of purposes: digging, lifting objects, gathering food, stripping bark from trees and defense.

The tusks also protect the trunk, and the dominant tusk is usually more worn as a result of frequent use.

Both male and female African elephants have tusks, while only male Asian elephants have tusks, and then only a certain percentage.