Gorilla

Gorilla is a genus of primates that is part of the family Hominidae, or great apes. The genus is divided into two species: the eastern gorillas and the western gorillas, and they are the largest living primates. The DNA of gorillas is highly similar to that of humans, from 95–99% depending on what is counted, and they are the next closest living relatives to humans after the bonobo and common chimpanzee.

Taxonomy and evolution

The genus Gorilla is divided into two species: the eastern gorillas and the western gorillas, and either four or five subspecies. They are classified in the Hominidae family along with orangutans, chimpanzees, bonobos and humans. The two gorilla species live in equatorial Africa, separated by about 900 km of Congo Basin forest.

Anatomy and morphology

Gorillas' appearances can vary based on sub-species, but all gorillas share certain physical characteristics. Adult males are 1.7 to 1.8 m (5.6 to 5.9 ft) tall, although when they are on all fours, they reach 1.5 to 1.6 m (4.9 to 5.2 ft) in height. Adult females are often half the size of a silverback, averaging about 1.4 m (4.6 ft) tall and 100 kg (220 lb).

Behavior and ecology

Gorillas are ground-dwelling and predominantly herbivorous. They inhabit the forests of central Sub-Saharan Africa. Gorillas are divided into two species and either four or five subspecies. The DNA of gorillas is highly similar to that of a human, from 95–99% depending on what is counted, and they are the next closest living relatives to humans after the bonobo and common chimpanzee.

Conservation status

The western gorilla and the eastern gorilla are both listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, and each has been for years. Threats to gorilla survival include habitat destruction and poaching for the bushmeat trade.

See also

• Primate
• Hominidae
• Endangered species

References

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