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Family Structure
Gorillas are social animals and live in tight knit family groups called troops or bands. Together they travel, feed, and raise their young. It is common for there to be more females than males in a troop. However troops have only one dominate male, called the Silverback.
Body Language and Vocalizations
Body Language and Vocalizations
Gorillas use various body language and vocalizations to communicate with others in the troop.
Some common body language includes the "play face", smiling, yawning, and chest beating.
Communication can be a series of hoots, howls, barks, screams, and laughs. Over 25 different vocalizations have been recorded.
"Play Face"
A common form of body language among gorillas is their "play face". This is common among juveniles and appears as an open mouth, low hanging bottom lip, and no teeth showing.
"Smiling" and Yawning
When a gorilla appears to be smiling with an open mouth and the bottom rows of teeth showing, this may be a sign of submission or appeasement.
Males will often appear to be yawning when they are anxious or in distress and this may be a warning sign of aggressive behavior.
Chest Beat
Male gorillas will beat their chest as a sign of aggression and dominance. They have large air sacs in their chest that when beaten, will carry sounds over a long distance. This action is also seen among playing juveniles.
Diet
Gorillas are omnivores with a diet consisting of mostly fruit and vegetation. However they will occasionally eat insects, termites, rodents, small lizards and snails. They are secondary consumers with few predators. Leopards have been known to attack some gorillas but the biggest threat is humans.
Occasionally gorillas will eat soil or ash to absorb minerals that are missing in plants and to regulate their digestive system. This process known as geophagy, also helps to eliminate poisonous substances from the plants they eat.
The Role of the Silverback
Dominant Male
There is only one dominante silverback in a troop. The silverback is typically an adult male over the age of 12 and usually the oldest male of the group. Other young males in the troop may choose to stay, or leave and join another troop of males around the same age. If the silverback has any sons, they may try to fight for dominance when they reach mature adulthood. This fight can lead to very serious injuries.
Responsibilities
The silverback is responsible for the protection and safety of the troop. The dominate male determines where to migrate, what to eat, and where to rest. They are responsible for making decisions and resolving conflict. The silverback also has exclusive access to the females of the group.
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