Gorilla

Definition

Gorillas are large, ground-dwelling primates that inhabit the forests of central Sub-Saharan Africa. They are one of the closest living relatives to humans, sharing approximately 98% of their DNA with us.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Gorillas are divided into two species: the eastern gorilla and the western gorilla.
2. They primarily live in groups called troops, led by a dominant male known as a silverback.
3. Gorillas have a herbivorous diet, mainly consisting of leaves, stems, fruit, and bamboo shoots.
4. The gestation period for gorillas is about 8.5 months, and infants are dependent on their mothers for several years.
5. Despite their size and strength, gorillas are generally gentle creatures but can exhibit aggressive behavior when threatened.

Related terms

Primate: A member of the mammalian order that includes lemurs, monkeys, apes, and humans.

Hominidae: The biological family that includes great apes such as orangutans, gorillas, chimpanzees, and humans.

DNA Similarity: The percentage of genetic material shared between different species; for example, humans share about 98% of their DNA with gorillas.