Photo is in public domain; originated by US Fish & Wildlife Service.

            One of the distinct characteristics of Odobenus rosmarus is its prominent tusks, which are extremely overgrown canine teeth. Tusks can grow up to 90cm, normally they only grow up to 50cm but the job of the tusks is to be able to break through ice, which helps them to pull themselves up on the ice (Baker, H. 2013.). If they were not able to go onto ice they would restore to going on to land which puts them at risk of more predators. Tusks are also used in helping the walrus gain their food (look at nutrition).  Social rank can be established  according to the size of their tusks compared to the others (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1995) . Also, walruses defend themselves from  their predators, such as polar bears, as well as fighting for a mate against another walrus by using their tusks (National Geographic Society. 1996).

           Blubber is another characteristic, which categorizes walruses as a part of the pinniped order. Other pinnipeds include eardseals and true seals (Hamilton, C. and B. Kitchen). Since pinnipeds live in an extremely cold environment blubber is an adaptation which helps pinnipeds survive in the cold. Blubber  allows for the walrus to maintain its body temperature, which is known as  thermoregulation (Hamilton, C. and B. Kitchen).  Without the blubber walruses would not be able to survive the cold water temperatures. Walruses are able to survive in termperatures as cold as -31ºF (Sea World Parks and Entertainment) .  Much of a walruses life they are in the water in order to stay in the water longer is their blubber. To be able to stay in water without having to expend a lot of energy is to be able to float and blubber gives the walrus the ability to float, called buoyancy (Hamilton, C. and B. Kitchen). Walrus blubber is also helpful in storing energy in case there is a period of time in which the walrus is unable to find food.