Key Points:
- Gorillas are divided into two species: eastern and western.
- Gorillas are highly social creatures that live in groups.
- An average gorilla can weigh over 200kg and stand as tall as an average human.
Welcome to the Gorilla Quiz, where you can test your knowledge about one of the most iconic and fascinating animals on the planet. Gorillas are powerful and intelligent primates that are closely related to humans.
They are found only in the forests of central Africa and are divided into two species: the eastern gorilla and the western gorilla.
Are you ready to test your knowledge of these amazing mammals? Let’s go!
Gorilla Appearance and Behavior
Gorillas are large and powerful apes that are native to the forests of central and eastern Africa.
Here are some key facts about their appearance and behavior:
- Gorillas are among the largest primates in the world, with males weighing up to 400 pounds and standing up to six feet tall.
- Gorillas have thick and very muscular body that is covered in black or dark brown fur with fur being longer at the arms and head.
- Gorillas are herbivores and spend a lot of their time foraging for food which includes leaves, stems, fruits, and sometimes bamboo.
- Gorillas live in groups led by a dominant silverback male. He is often responsible for leading and protecting the group.
- Gorillas are very smart animals that have been seen using tools, solving problems, and even using hand language.
Five Cool Facts About Gorillas
Gorillas are fascinating creatures that have captivated the world with their sheer size and strength. As the largest living primates, gorillas possess a unique set of characteristics and behaviors that make them stand out among other animals.
With that said, here are five cool facts about Gorillas:
- There are approximately 1,063 gorillas in the wild, divided into two isolated groups.
- Humans share around 98% of their DNA with gorillas, making them one of our closest primate relatives.
- Gorillas are one of the largest and most powerful living primates.
- They have 16 different vocalizations and live in cooperative family groups.
- Gorillas have a constant need to eat and rest, seeking communal spaces for shelter and rest at night.
What is the Lifespan of a Silverback Gorilla?
Gorillas can survive for more than 40 years in their natural habitat. Male gorillas are classified as “blackbacks” between the ages of 8 and 12. When they reach 12 years of age, they begin to develop a patch of silver hair on their back and hips, earning them the name “silverback”.
Additionally, gorillas have a lifespan of approximately 35-40 years in their natural habitat, although they can survive for more than 50 years in captivity.
A gorilla named Fatou was the longest-living gorilla ever in captivity. She is believed to have been born in the wild around 1957.
After being taken by a sailor from West Africa to France in 1959, she was eventually obtained by the Berlin Zoo. Her first offspring, Dufte, was born in 1974 and was the first gorilla raised in Berlin. On April 13, 2022, she celebrated her 65th birthday.