Gorillas are the largest primates on Earth, known for their physical strength, complex social structures, and intelligence. They inhabit the forest floors and mountain slopes of central Africa, living in cohesive family groups led by a dominant silverback male. These great apes exhibit fascinating behaviors and adaptations that allow them to thrive in their dense, tropical environments.
Strictly Vegetarian and Always Eating
Despite their massive size, gorillas maintain a nearly exclusive herbivorous diet, primarily consuming vegetation, stems, and leaves. An adult male must consume an enormous volume of food daily to sustain his body mass, often exceeding 18 kilograms (40 pounds) of plant material.
They must eat this large quantity because the leaves and stems they rely on have a low nutritional density. Mountain gorillas, for example, eat very little fruit, relying on fibrous plants like thistles and bamboo shoots. Constant foraging is necessary to extract sufficient energy from a nutrient-poor food source. Their specialized digestive system, including a large gut, efficiently breaks down tough plant fiber.
The Purpose of Chest Beating
The iconic chest-beating display is a form of gestural communication and social signal. Gorillas stand bipedally and rapidly beat their chests with cupped hands, creating a distinct, resonant sound that can travel over one kilometer through the dense forest. This display is used to communicate messages, including attracting females and intimidating rival males.
Research shows that the sound of the chest beat reliably indicates the male’s body size. Larger males produce chest beats with lower peak frequencies than smaller ones, providing an honest signal of competitive ability. Rival males use this acoustic information to assess whether to initiate or retreat from conflict, while females use it in mate selection.
Daily Architects of the Forest Floor
Gorillas build a completely new sleeping nest every night. Before dusk, each gorilla constructs an individual nest using branches, leaves, and vegetation, except for the youngest infants who sleep with their mothers. They rarely reuse the same nest, highlighting a strong instinct for cleanliness.
This nightly ritual serves several purposes, including maintaining hygiene by preventing the accumulation of parasites and pathogens. Building a new nest also acts as a safety measure, reducing the risk of predators tracking them. The fresh bedding provides insulation, helping regulate body temperature during cold nights.