Large body size often evolves in species where aggressive physical conflict is prevalent because the larger individual will usually win the fight and live to reproduce. During physical confrontations, larger males have an advantage over smaller ones, so large males are better able to defend their troop or are better able to kill and supplant the dominant male of another troop. In return, the male has sole access to mating opportunities with the females. In gorilla troops, several females live with one male that provides protection. Why are Gorillas So Strong? A mountain Gorilla ( Gorilla beringei beringei) walking in a forest.Ī gorilla’s size is also associated with its strength. Therefore, unlike males, there is no reproductive advantage to females being larger. A 2020 study of Rwandan mountain gorillas found that dominance rank among females has a positive correlation with reproductive success, but body size does not. Female gorillas do not have improved reproductive success if they are larger. Therefore, larger males will have more offspring and will pass more genes on each generation than small subordinate males. Big male gorillas with big canine teeth are attractive as protectors and can fight for females more successfully. Larger, dominant males have greater mating success due in part to female preference and because of size advantages in direct confrontations with other males. Gorillas are amongst the most sexually dimorphic primate species. One study examining mating success in Indian peafowl found that males with longer tails and with more frequent courtship displays had greater success finding mates. For example, in peafowl, females are more likely to choose a mate with a flamboyant tail. In gorillas, and in our earlier example peacocks, males compete with other males for mating opportunities. This occurs in different species, like gorillas, where there is competition amongst one sex for access to mates. Sexual dimorphism in gorillas is seen in their size difference- females weighing about half that of males. Peacocks have distinct, colorful plumage. Other animals might differ between sexes with respect to coloration, plumage, canine tooth size, body size, and other interesting traits. This exists throughout the animal kingdom. Peacocks are known for their impressive tail feathers, but peahens have far less extravagant brown feathers. A textbook example of sexual dimorphism is the peacock. Sexual dimorphism is when males and females of the same species have very different morphologies, or physical characteristics. Finding a Mate A female mountain gorilla with an infant in a forest. They are incredibly large because of many biological and ecological forces including their diet, finding a mate, and optimizing reproductive success. To understand why gorillas are so big, we need some background information. Gorillas are the largest primate on Earth! Why are gorillas so big? Just how big can gorillas get? The largest gorilla ever recorded weighed 860 pounds and was an eastern lowland gorilla raised in the St. Their maximum weight is between 5 and 10% larger than other gorilla subspecies such as the mountain gorilla and western lowland gorilla.

The largest gorilla subspecies is the eastern lowland gorilla. There are four gorilla subspecies all living in Africa across a patchy distribution interrupted by rivers and other geographical barriers. Silverback gorillas weigh between 300 and 500 pounds while females are between 150 and 250 pounds. There are two species of gorilla and four subspecies: western gorillas ( western lowland gorillas and Cross River gorillas) and eastern gorillas ( eastern lowland gorillas and mountain gorillas). Females of the same species do not have this distinct color pattern. The term “silverback gorilla” usually refers to the dominant male gorillas of each troop because of the grey fur on their backs. As such, they are a great ape also closely related to orangutans, chimpanzees, and bonobos. Gorillas are a primate closely related to humans. We’ll dive into why silverback gorilla weights exceed other primates by such a wide degree, their physical strength, and more! What are silverback gorillas? Silverback gorillas usually weigh between 300 and 500 pounds.

This article will investigate all aspects of a silverback gorilla’s size. A trait so costly would be selected against unless there was a substantial advantage. Their size is amazing, but does it serve a purpose? From an evolutionary perspective, it requires a lot of energy and resources to grow to such a large size. Now imagine 25 of those wrapped in fur running around the African wild! Silverback gorillas are huge, majestic animals and are the largest primate on Earth. When you are at the gym, a 20-pound dumbbell can seem pretty heavy.

Silverback gorilla weight