Gorilla
Gorilla
Living individuals or members of this group exist today. This does not mean they are safe from extinction.
Gorillas are large African great apes that feed mainly on plants. This overview uses the western gorilla as a representative of the genus.
Western gorilla, a representative of the genus Gorilla.
At a glance
- Location
- Forests of equatorial Africa; western gorillas occur in central and western equatorial forest regions.
- Habitat
- Rainforest
- Diet
- Herbivore
- Food
- Leaves, stems, fruit and other plant material.
Classification
- Common name
- Gorilla
- Browse group
- Mammals
- Scientific name or taxon
- Gorilla
- Source classification
- Mammalia
Three things to know
- Plant foods dominate their diet.
- Mature males are commonly called silverbacks.
- Groups contain adults and dependent young.
Habitat and range
Forests of equatorial Africa; western gorillas occur in central and western equatorial forest regions.
Appearance and adaptations
Adults have strong bodies and long arms. Mature males commonly develop pale back hair and are known as silverbacks.
Diet and behaviour
Groups usually include an adult male, females and young. Gorillas spend time feeding, resting and interacting, and use sounds, postures and displays in communication.
Sources
- Animal Diversity Web: Gorilla gorilla
- A–Z Animals: Gorilla · Directory entry
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