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Gorillapictures and factsPage Two |
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Fact: A gorilla troop consists of from 2-30 animals. Western lowland gorilla troops are usually smaller, averaging about five animals. [16]
Fact: The strongest male in a gorilla troop is the leader, or silverback. The name silverback comes from the fact that he is older and has white hair across his lower back. [17]
Fact: The silverback has several responsibilities within the troop such as protection, determining where and when to travel, when it is time to feed, and when and where to build night nests. [18]
A Silverback Sitting Alone
Image Source: mrflip/ License under Creative Commons 2.0.
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Fact: Like lions, a new male gorilla may kill the youngsters of females to bring them into estrus. [19]
Fact: A threat display from a silverback includes hooting, standing up, beating their chests, and throwing plants around wildly. [20]
Fact: Despite their fierce threat display, gorillas are not usually aggressive, and would rather scare you off than fight you. [21]
Two Young Gorillas
Image Source: schacon/ License under Creative Commons 2.0.
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Fact: The silverback may also have several assistants, called blackbacks. [22]
Fact: For gorillas, the main event of the day is eating. Usually the first part of the day is spent eating, then a nap to avoid the heat of the day, and back to more eating until the sun goes down. [23]
Fact: Gorillas can walk for only short distances upright. They sometimes climb, but spend most of their time on the ground. When traveling they walk on all fours, and use the knuckles of their front hands as feet. [24]
