A walrus is a large aquatic mammal belonging to the family Odobenidae and characterized by its distinctive physical features. This dictionary definition of a walrus will provide an overview of its appearance, behavior, habitat, and other relevant details.
The walrus is known for its massive size, with adult males reaching lengths of up to 11-12 feet (3.5 meters) and weighing over 3,000 pounds (1,400 kilograms). It possesses a robust, barrel-shaped body covered in a thick layer of blubber, which provides insulation in cold Arctic waters. Its most recognizable feature is the long tusks that protrude from its upper canine teeth, which can grow up to 3 feet (1 meter) in length. Both males and females possess these tusks, although they are larger in males.
Found primarily in the Arctic regions of the Northern Hemisphere, walruses are highly adapted to their marine environment. They inhabit shallow coastal areas, floating ice shelves, and pack ice, where they feed predominantly on benthic invertebrates like clams, snails, and worms. Their sensory organs are well-developed, including acute underwater hearing and a highly sensitive touch, enabling them to detect prey buried deep in the sediment.
Walruses are social animals known to form large herds, or "haulouts," consisting of several hundred individuals. During mating season, males engage in intense battles to establish dominance and secure mates. These battles can involve displaying their tusks, bellowing loudly, and engaging in physical combat.
Conservation efforts are in place to protect walruses due to threats such as climate change, loss of sea ice, and overhunting. Their iconic appearance and ecological importance make walruses an intriguing and unique species in the animal
