Gorillas are powerful primates that inhabit the forests of Africa. Among their remarkable capabilities, their bite force stands out as a testament to their strength and adaptation. Their bite force plays a significant role in their daily lives and survival.
The Strength of a Gorilla Bite
The bite force of an adult male gorilla is estimated to be around 1,300 pounds per square inch (PSI) at their molars. This substantial pressure, equivalent to approximately 9,200 Newtons, highlights the power these animals can generate with their jaws. This high bite force is a specialized adaptation that allows gorillas to efficiently process their natural diet. Researchers measure this force using sensors fitted into custom mouthpieces, revealing how gorillas break down plant materials.
Anatomy and Diet Fueling Their Bite
The strength of a gorilla’s bite is rooted in specific biological adaptations. Their robust skull structure features a prominent sagittal crest, a bony ridge on top of the head. This crest serves as a large anchor point for their powerful temporalis and masseter jaw muscles, which are significantly larger and more developed than those in humans. These muscles exert strong force on the lower jaw, enabling effective chewing.
Gorillas also possess specialized teeth adapted for their primarily herbivorous diet. They have broad, flat molars in the back of their mouths designed for crushing and grinding tough plant matter. Their prominent canine teeth are used for display and defense rather than tearing meat. This dental and muscular architecture allows them to consume fibrous vegetation such as leaves, stems, bamboo shoots, bark, and roots, which require crushing power to break down and digest.
How Gorilla Bite Force Stacks Up
A gorilla’s bite force is stronger than that of a human. While the average human bite registers between 162 and 200 PSI, a gorilla’s 1,300 PSI bite is approximately eight to nine times stronger. Among other primates, gorillas possess the strongest bite force, far exceeding that of chimpanzees.
When compared to other animals known for powerful bites, the gorilla’s strength remains. A lion’s bite typically ranges from 650 to 1,000 PSI, making a gorilla’s bite roughly 30-50% stronger. A hyena’s bite force is around 1,100 PSI. However, some animals surpass gorillas; a jaguar can exert 1,500 to 2,000 PSI, and a hippopotamus around 1,800 to 2,000 PSI. The saltwater crocodile holds one of the strongest bites in the animal kingdom, ranging from 3,700 to 5,000 PSI.