Gorilla Research Paper

Table of contents

· Gorilla …………………………………………………………………pg.3
· Physical characteristics and behavior…………………………….. pg.4
· Endangerment………………………………………………………...pg.5

Gorilla’s

The gorilla is the largest primate, weighing as much as 275 kg (600 lb). Gorillas are forest-associated animals. Most gorillas inhabit lowland tropical rainforests and montane rainforests between 1500 - 3500 m (4900 - 11,500 ft). Different populations have exhibited preferences for forest margins, secondary forest, swamp forests, bamboo forests, riverside forests and primary forest. The diets of the eastern and western gorilla populations differ considerably. Eastern animals are predominantly folivorous, but those in the west eat great quantities
Gorillas live in groups ranging in size from 2 individuals to as many as 38. The western populations have smaller group sizes, averaging 5 members, whereas eastern groups average 9 (website).
Gorillas are divided into two species and either four or five subspecies. Its DNA is 97%-
98% identical to that of a human, and are the next closest living relatives to humans after the two chimpanzee species. The gorilla is found in two principal areas: equatorial West
Africa and eastern Central Africa. The western lowland gorilla subspecies occurs in West
Africa and is the most widespread. The recently identified Cross River gorilla, the rarest of the gorilla subspecies, is found on both sides of the Nigeria-Cameroon border. The eastern lowland gorilla subspecies occurs in the eastern portion of The
Adult males range in height from 165-175 cm (5 ft 5 in – 5 ft 9 in), and in weight from 140–200 kg (310–440 lb). Adult females are often half the size of a silverback, averaging about 140 cm (4 ft 7 in) tall and 100 kg (220 lb). Occasionally, a silverback of over 183 cm (6 ft) and 225 kg (500 lb) has been recorded in the wild. However, obese gorillas in captivity have reached a weight of 270 kg (600 lb).Gorillas have a facial structure which is described as mandibular prognathism, that is, their mandible protrudes farther out than the maxilla. Eastern gorillas are darker colored than Western gorillas, with Mountain gorilla being the darkest of all. Mountain gorillas also have the thickest hair. The Western lowland gorilla can be brown or grayish with a reddish forehead. In addition, gorillas that live in lowland forests are more slender and agile than the more bulky Mountain gorilla. Almost all gorillas share the same blood type B and, like humans, have individual finger prints. The gorilla is primarily terrestrial but is fully capable of climbing. Some have been observed feeding in trees at heights of 40 m (130 ft), and even a large male, weighing at least 200 kg (440 lb), frequently climbed to 20 m (65 ft). Contrary to general opinion, the gorilla is not afraid of water. Recent studies of the western lowland gorilla have shown that it is quite happy to wade around in swamp forests in search of edible aquatic plants. Gorillas are