The Insane Biology of: The Gorilla

Gorillas possess denser bones than humans, providing the structural foundation for their extraordinary strength by resisting fractures and supporting their massive body weight.

Gorillas communicate through diverse methods including facial expressions, well-known gestures, and extensive vocalizations, with Dr. Joanne Tanner documenting complex gestural communication patterns at the San Francisco Zoo.

Adult silverback gorillas, the giant males leading family groups distinguished by the saddle of gray or silver hair on their lower back, demonstrate extraordinary strength far exceeding human capabilities.

Gorillas possess a microbiome of symbiotic bacteria that accomplishes what gorillas themselves cannot—breaking down cellulose to extract nutrients and synthesize protein from plant matter.

Gorillas are omnivores but consume an almost entirely herbivorous diet, with the most surprising aspect being that they achieve their extraordinary musculature without eating significant amounts of meat.

Each gorilla builds a nest on the ground daily for sleeping, demonstrating remarkable behavior that Dr. Robin Morrison of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund describes as one of the most complex tools gorillas use, though scientists debate whether it qualifies as true tool use.

Like other great apes, gorillas possess distinctive skull features including prominent brow ridges and, in males, a sagittal crest—a bony ridge at the top of the skull.

Infant gorillas learn essential behaviors including tool use, nest building, and other skills by watching and imitating others in their family group, particularly their mothers.

Wild gorillas, particularly in the northern Congo, have been observed using tools despite living in what scientists call the “great salad bowl” where favorite foods are plentiful, leading to long-held beliefs that gorillas didn’t use tools besides nests.

Koko the gorilla learned American Sign Language starting in 1972 under graduate researcher Francine Patterson, inspired by pioneering work teaching ASL to chimpanzees, ultimately using 1,100 signs at least once and over 300 signs regularly.

Dominant silverback males take on extensive caring responsibilities unusual among primates, according to Dr. Robin Morrison of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, providing crucial support for group offspring including orphaned juveniles.