The females have relatively large tusks, which are essential in obtaining their food.

The latter are dug up with the tusks; the left one being generally employed in this service, and thus becoming much more worn than its fellow.

In the former the upper tusks are bent down so as to cross the tips of the short and chisel-like lower pair.

Mastodons, like elephants, always have a pair of upper tusks, while the earlier ones likewise have a short pair in the lower jaw, which is prolonged into a snout-like symphysis for their support.

It should be added that some of these large tusks came from Ceylon; such tuskers being believed to be descended from mainland animals imported into the island.