Can you tell the age of a walrus by the number of whiskers it has?

No, the number of whiskers on a walrus does not indicate its age. Walrus whiskers, also known as vibrissae, are long, stiff hairs that are highly sensitive to touch and help the walrus locate food in the water. While the number and length of a walrus's whiskers can vary, it is not a reliable way to determine its age.

Instead, scientists use a variety of methods to estimate the age of a walrus, including examining the growth layers in its tusks, counting the growth layers in its ear bones, and observing changes in its physical appearance over time.

Walruses are long-lived animals, with a lifespan of up to 40 years in the wild. By studying their growth and development over time, researchers can gain valuable insights into the biology, behavior, and ecology of these fascinating creatures.