How Gorillas Adapt to the Environment – Gorillas are herbivorous animals divided into two species: Eastern gorillas and Western gorillas.
The Eastern gorillas are further divided into two subspecies, which are the mountain gorillas and Eastern lowland gorillas.
The Western gorillas are divided into two subspecies as well, the cross river gorillas and Western lowland gorillas.
Gorillas inhabit both tropical and subtropical forests of Africa. Mountain gorillas live in the tropical rainforests of the Virunga volcanoes at altitudes of 2,200m to 4,300m, in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The Eastern lowland gorillas inhabit the dense forests and lowland swamps of the Democratic Republic of Congo near the Rwanda border, while the Western lowland gorillas live in the dense forests and lowland swamps of Central West African countries.
Among all gorilla subspecies, mountain gorillas are the most endangered, with only about 1,063 individuals remaining in the wild. The major threats to their survival include poaching, habitat loss, and diseases.
Gorillas are the largest primates on Earth, with males weighing around 200 kg and females weighing between 80 and 100 kg.
Gorillas share 98% of their DNA with humans, making them our closest relatives after chimpanzees. They live in troops or families that consist of 5 to 30 members, led by a silverback, who is responsible for protecting the family, mating with females, and deciding feeding times, among other roles.
The physical appearance of gorillas varies by subspecies. Eastern gorillas are darker in color than Western gorillas, and mountain gorillas are the darkest of all.
Mountain gorillas have the thickest hair, Western gorillas have brownish or grayish hair with a reddish forehead, and Eastern gorillas have larger faces and broader chests than Western gorillas.
Eastern and Western lowland gorillas are more slender compared to the larger, heavier mountain gorillas.
How Gorillas Adapt to the Environment
- Thick fur: Gorillas have long, thick fur on their bodies that enables them to live in cold temperatures in the tropical rainforests. The fur also protects them from contracting diseases like flu, coughs, and pneumonia, as well as insect bites.
- Flat teeth: Gorillas have flat teeth that help them chew and grind leaves, shoots, and roots for proper digestion.
- Large arms: Gorillas have large arms that are used for locomotion and for picking fruits, leaves, roots, and shoots for eating.
- Strong fingers: Gorillas use their strong fingers to break shoots, roots, and peel the coverings of fruits. They exert pressure on the fruits to remove the cover and can break shoots for eating.
- Long arms for defense: Gorillas use their long arms for fighting to defend their families, particularly the silverback. They also use their arms to beat their chests as a display of power and authority.
- Body language: Gorillas use body language to express their needs, desires, and emotions. They have about 25 vocalizations that they use to communicate, especially when they feel threatened.
- Living in groups: Gorillas adapt to the environment by living in groups or families led by a dominant silverback. The silverback protects the family, and decides on feeding locations and times.
Gorillas’ adaptations to their environment allow them to live peacefully in their surroundings.
