Gorilla

Gorilla

Classification of Species

Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Mammalia
Order:	Primates
Family:	Hominidae
Genus:	Gorilla
Species:	G. beringei
Subspecies:	G. b. beringei
Scientific Name:	Gorilla beringei beringei

Behavior & Social Structure

These primates live in groups (called ‘troops’) of up to 30 members consisting of a few younger males, juvenile or adult females, and babies, and is led by a silverback alpha male that is at least 12 years old. The alpha males are highly intelligent and take all the responsibilities, general decisions related to feeding trips, traveling, resting, and other group activities. They make sure that order is maintained within the troop.

The mountain gorillas are normally shy by nature, but when threatened, they can immediately turn aggressive. They display their rage banging on their chests, emitting roars and grunts of disgust. The alpha male usually attacks, while the females will fight to their death to protect their infants.

• How long do they live

  The longevity of these animals in the wild is about 35 years, and in captivity, approximately 53 years.

  Physical Description: How do they look like

  Height (size): The standing height is between 4 and 6 feet (1.2 to 1.8 m).

  Weight: Adult gorillas weight anything between 300 and 425 pounds.

  Fur/hair/coat: The entire body covered with black, thick to very thick coat.

  Bodily Characteristics: They have a short and thick trunk with a broad chest and strong shoulders. The arms are sturdy and somewhat longer than the stubby legs.

  Facial Features: The eyes and ears are dwarfed by their huge head, while the muzzle is glossy and hairless. Like most other gorillas, their nose is special in the sense that no two mountain gorillas have the same nose print.

• What do they eat

  Mountain gorillas have herbivorous eating habits and need a lot of food daily. They have an important role in the ecological niche since they consume a variety of leaves, fruits, and plants without clearing the entire site of vegetation, allowing for renewal and regrowth of plant species. Wild bamboo, stinging nettles, celery, bedstraw thistles are their favorite.
  
  
  Reproduction & Life Cycle
  The Mountain Gorilla has no specific mating season. The silverbacks father the majority of the young in their groups. The females attain sexual maturity at the age of 10 years and can carry one baby (or at times, twins) during one gestation period, lasting for 8.5 months. They can mother 2 to 6 offspring in a lifetime.
  
  
  The newborn weighs around 1.8 kg, and are helpless and dependent. They spend time and travel places clinging on the backs of their mothers until they are four years old. However, the weaning period begins at around 3.5 years.

• Interesting Facts

  • Mountain Gorillas are scared of water and stay away from the rains, or from getting wet somehow. Young gorillas cross water bodies only if they can avoid getting their feet wet.
  • The plants that these animals consume provide them sufficient moisture so that they do not need to drink water separately.
  • Older adult males are called ‘silverbacks’ since they develop a silver stripe on their backs when they are mature. So, the alpha male must have a silver stripe to become the leader and get accepted by the members.
  • When temperatures are low, group members will huddle close together, remaining motionless for long periods of time to warm themselves.
  • Youngsters often participate in games including wrestling, chasing, and somersaults, along with the parents at times, and are more arboreal. Playing help the babies learn communication and group behavior.
  • They are one of the hairiest gorillas of the world.
  • Baby mountain gorillas have a natural tendency to avoid chameleons and caterpillars.
• Question !

1. This is a Gorilla's favorite food, except..

   a. Bamboo

   b. Celery

   c. Banana

   d. Stinging nettles

2. The longevity of these animals is about ... and in captivity, approximately ...

   a. 35 years and 53 years

   b. 30 years and 52 years

   c. 32 years and 55 years

   d. 38 years and 53 years

3. What Gorilla's older adult males are called?

   a. Silverqueen

   b. Goldbacks

   c. Bronzebacks

   d. Silverbacks

4. When the gorillas weight between 300 and 425 pounds?
   a. Baby gorillas
   b. Adult gorillas
   c. Elder gorillas
   d. Teen gorillas

5. What is a mountain gorilla afraid of ?
   a. water
   b. fire
   c. human
   d. mouse