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- DictionaryGo·ril·la/ɡəˈrilə/
noun
- 1. a powerfully built great ape with a large head and short neck, found in the forests of central Africa. It is the largest living primate.
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For other uses, see Gorilla (disambiguation). Not to be confused with Guerrilla. Gorillas are herbivorous, predominantly ground-dwelling great apes that inhabit the tropical forests of equatorial Africa. The genus Gorilla is divided into two species: the eastern gorilla and the western gorilla, and either four or five subspecies.
Learn the origin, synonyms, and examples of the word gorilla, which can refer to a large ape or a brutal man. Find out the difference between gorilla and guerrilla, and explore related phrases and articles.
- Overview
- Primate
- Gorilla
- Physical Characteristics & Behavior
This article is about the Gorilla, a genus of primates that contains the largest of the apes. It provides information on their physical characteristics, behavior and habitat, diet, reproduction and life expectancy. The article also mentions how gorillas are becoming increasingly rare due to human destruction of its forest habitat and hunting for bu...
Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors.
The gorilla is one of the closest living relatives to humans; both groups last shared a common ancestor about 10 million years ago. Only the chimpanzee and the bonobo are closer. Most authorities recognize two species and four subspecies of gorillas live only in tropical forests of equatorial Africa.
The gorilla is robust, powerful with black skin and hair, large nostrils, small ears, prominent brow ridges; males are twice as heavy as females with height 1.7 meters (5.5 feet) weight 135-220 kg (300-485 pounds), active during day time primarily terrestrial usually walking on all four limbs called knuckle walking; diet vegetarian leaves stalks sh...
- The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
A gorilla is a large ape that comes from western and central Africa. Learn more about its features, behavior, diet, and conservation status with examples from literature and science.
Learn about gorillas, our closest cousins after chimpanzees and bonobos, who share 98.3% of their DNA with humans. Find out how WWF is protecting gorilla habitat, fighting bushmeat trade, and promoting tourism in the Congo Basin.
Gorilla definition: a terrestrial, largely vegetarian great ape of the genus Gorilla, inhabiting central African forests. See examples of GORILLA used in a sentence.
The largest living primate. The gentle giants of the African forest, gorillas are the largest living primate and one of humans closest living relatives. Although physically intimidating and powerful, gorillas are extremely intelligent, sensitive and emotional beings.
