Gorillas are the largest living primates, inhabiting tropical and subtropical forests across Sub-Saharan Africa. These powerful, primarily herbivorous apes are known for their muscular build and complex social structures. They typically live in groups led by a dominant male, often referred to as a silverback. Understanding their physical dimensions offers insight into their adaptations and ecological roles.
Average Gorilla Dimensions
Gorillas have average heights between 1.25 and 1.8 meters (4 feet 1 inch and 5 feet 11 inches) when standing upright. Their weight can range from 100 to 270 kilograms (220 to 600 pounds). When moving on all fours, their height is considerably less, generally between 100 and 115 centimeters (39.4 and 45.3 inches). A gorilla’s arm span can extend up to 2.6 meters (8 feet 6 inches), reflecting their knuckle-walking locomotion and tree-dwelling ancestry.
Size Differences Among Gorilla Species and Sexes
Gorillas are divided into two main species: the Eastern gorilla and the Western gorilla. The Eastern gorilla includes the Eastern Lowland gorilla and the Mountain gorilla. Eastern Lowland gorillas are generally the largest, with males averaging 1.6 to 1.83 meters (5 feet 3 inches to 6 feet) tall and weighing 160 to 210 kg (350 to 460 pounds). Mountain gorilla males weigh around 160 kg (358 pounds) and are about 1.7 meters (5.6 feet) tall, while females are approximately half that weight.
The Western gorilla species includes the Western Lowland gorilla and the Cross River gorilla. Western Lowland gorillas are slightly smaller than their Eastern counterparts, with males standing 1.4 to 1.8 meters (4 feet 7 inches to 5 feet 11 inches) tall and weighing 136 to 270 kg (300 to 600 pounds). Cross River gorillas, the rarest subspecies, have males that can reach about 1.75 meters (5 feet 9 inches) and weigh up to 200 kg (440 pounds). Males are significantly larger and heavier than females, a characteristic known as sexual dimorphism. For instance, male Western Lowland gorillas can be twice the size of females.
Factors Influencing Gorilla Growth
A gorilla’s eventual size is shaped by a combination of genetics, diet, age, and habitat. Genetics determine growth potential for each individual and subspecies. The availability and nutritional quality of food, primarily vegetation, influence growth. For example, Mountain gorillas can eat up to 18 kg (40 pounds) of plants in a single day.
Growth patterns also vary with age, as gorillas grow from infancy to full maturity. Males, particularly, continue growing for longer periods than females, contributing to the pronounced size difference between sexes. Habitat also influences diet, with variations in food resources affecting nutrient intake and, consequently, body size.
Gorillas Compared to Humans
Gorillas are considerably larger and heavier than humans on average. An adult male gorilla can stand up to 1.8 meters (6 feet) tall, while average human males are typically between 1.6 and 1.8 meters (5 feet 4 inches and 6 feet). In terms of weight, adult male gorillas often weigh between 136 and 270 kg (300 and 600 pounds), far exceeding the average adult human male weight of around 86 kg (190 pounds).
Gorillas also possess a more robust and muscular build compared to humans, with proportionally longer arms and broader hands. Their skeletal structure and muscle mass contribute to their immense strength, which is estimated to be several times that of an average human. This disparity highlights differences in evolutionary paths and adaptations.